On March 22, 2025, at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Sebastián Fundora successfully defended his WBC and WBO super welterweight world titles by delivering a stunning performance against Chordale Booker, stopping him in the fourth round.
Fundora, standing a towering 6-foot-6, dominated the bout from the outset, leveraging his substantial height and reach advantages against the 5-foot-10 Booker. With an impressive record of 22 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, including 14 knockouts, Fundora was the clear favorite, and he lived up to expectations by asserting control over the match early on.
As the fight commenced, both fighters exhibited caution, but it wasn't long before Fundora's signature left hand began to find its target. By the end of the first round, it was clear that Booker would struggle to get close enough to inflict damage. Despite the shorter boxer's attempts at lateral movement, Fundora’s jab and long right hooks proved too much to handle.
Round three saw Fundora gain momentum, consistently landing punches and showcasing his southpaw style. Booker, known for his resilience, managed a few combinations but was noticeably outpaced and outgunned. In the fourth round, things began to escalate dramatically; Fundora unleashed a flurry of punches that pushed Booker to the brink. A left hand rocked Booker's head, and blood streamed from his nose as the champion seized the moment.
As the referee looked on, Fundora stepped up his attack, hitting Booker with a series of precise left hands and uppercuts. The assault led to Booker hitting the canvas after a series of heavy blows. Although he rose to his feet with only 30 seconds remaining, the damage had been done. The referee, Thomas Taylor, stepped in to halt the contest, saving Booker from further punishment.
"I started attacking to the body, and I could see he was dropping his hands," Fundora stated after the fight, emphasizing his strategy to exploit Booker's weaknesses. His victory not only solidifies his title reign but also sets the stage for potential unification bouts against other champions in his division. Following the fight, Fundora called out Bakhram Murtazaliev, the IBF champion, paving the way for a possible three-belt showdown.
"I want to be an undisputed champion. Whatever they have for me, I'm ready," he affirmed, displaying a determination to claim supremacy in the super welterweight class.
Booker’s record now stands at 23 wins and 2 losses, reflecting the tough competition he faced in the ring that night. Acknowledging the defeat, he respected Fundora's talent, understanding that he faced a significant challenge in trying to score an upset against the taller and more powerful opponent.
The fight underscored the depth of the super welterweight division, which features other rising stars such as Jesus Ramos Jr., who also made headlines by defeating Guido Emmanuel Schramm via a seventh-round TKO in the co-main event. Meanwhile, Elijah Garcia edged out Terrell Gausha in a split decision, further intensifying the competition in this thrilling weight class.
As the boxing community reflects on the implications of Fundora's decisive win, many anticipate the future matchups that could arise, particularly with the historic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry potentially looming on the horizon. Fundora mentioned Xander Zayas, the WBO mandatory challenger from Puerto Rico, as a potential next opponent, which would undoubtedly add another layer of excitement to the division.
The thrilling atmosphere at the Michelob Ultra Arena was palpable, with fans witnessing a clash that underscored Fundora's growing legacy in boxing. The super welterweight title fight not only provided entertainment but also highlighted how quickly fortunes can change in the world of sports.
As the dust settles from this intriguing bout, the boxers’ journeys continue, with Fundora looking to unify his titles and establish himself as one of the top fighters in the sport. For Booker, while this defeat stings, it also serves as a valuable learning experience, ensuring that his pursuit of greatness in the ring is far from over.
