Unified WBC and WBO Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will step into the ring to make the first defense of his world titles as he takes on top contender Chordale Booker on March 22 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Fundora, 21-1-1 (13 KOs) has had a bizarre route to this point, first stepping in against Tim Tszyu as a late replacement for Keith Thurman. Fundora then won in a bloodbath, thanks in part to his doggedness and in part to a mammoth cut on Tszyu’s forehand that obscured his vision. Fundora, now the unified 154lbs champion, was expected to defend his titles against Errol Spence Jnr, but the bout never materialized.
Booker, 23-1 (11 KOs), will be the opponent instead.
“I’m preparing really hard to defend my unified WBC and WBO world titles on March 22 in Las Vegas,” said Fundora, of Coachella, California. “Everyone can expect to see me prepared and ready to leave it all in the ring like I always do. ‘The Towering Inferno’ is back, and I’m coming to take out everyone in my way.”
“I’ve done everything I could to get here,” said Booker, who is from Stamford, Connecticut. “I’ve gone the distance to make it to this fight. I’ve taken fights on short notice, fought for less and always kept pushing forward. Now, 15 years into my boxing journey, I’m stepping into the biggest fight of my life. This moment means everything and it’s proof that hard work and perseverance pays off.”
Sampson Lewkowicz, Fundora’s promoter, said, “Chordale Booker is a good fighter with real skills, but he won’t be able to take Sebastian’s power.”
In the co-main event, Jesus Ramos Jnr will battle contender Kevin Salgado in a 10-round all-Mexican super welterweight showdown, plus middleweight contender Elijah Garcia duels veteran contender and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in the 10-round opening bout.
After losing a close, unpopular decision against Erickson Lubin in September 2023, Ramos, 22-1 (18 KOs), has rebounded with back-to-back stoppage wins.
“I’m thrilled to be stepping back into the ring on March 22,” said Ramos. “Coming off an extended training camp, my conditioning is at its peak. Now our primary focus is to develop a strategic game plan tailored to Salgado’s unique style so that we can secure the victory.”
A native of Mexico City, Salgado, 17-2-1 (10 KOs), enters this contest with two consecutive stoppage victories following an April 2023 decision loss to Elijah Garcia.
“This is an important opportunity and I’m coming to make the most of it,” said Salgado, 27. “I have a strong opponent, but I’m going to be the best version of myself when the fight comes. On March 22 I will do whatever it takes to get my hand raised.”
The opening attraction will see the return of 21-year-old Elijah Garcia, who seeks to bounce back from his first career defeat in a 10-round middleweight fight against the veteran Terrell Gausha.
Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona, Garcia, 16-1 (13 KOs), said, “I’m not just ready for this fight, I’m ready to dominate.” Garcia has recently started working with trainer Bob Santos and affirmed the productivity of the partnership: “The addition of Bob Santos and his knowledge and wisdom that he’s shared with our team is a game changer. His expertise and guidance are going to take us to new heights and propel us to the next level. We’re not just looking to win, we’re looking to make a statement.”
Gausha, 24-4-1 (12 KOs), was born in Cleveland, Ohio but now fights out of Encino, California and is trained by Manny Robles. He most recently dropped a wide decision to WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames in their June 2024 world title fight. Gausha has faced top competition throughout his career, having fought former champion Austin Trout to a draw in 2019 in addition to decision losses against WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara, former world champion Tim Tszyu and contender Erickson Lubin.
“I’m excited to get back in the mix,” said Gausha. “I’m always working and staying ready for any opportunity. On March 22 people will know why I’ve been at this level for so long. I’m going to make a statement for sure.”
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