Sebastian Fundora Dominates Chordale Booker In Title Defense

Unified WBC and WBO Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora made a successful first defense of his world titles with a fourth-round stoppage of top contender Chordale Booker in the main event of PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video Saturday night from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Standing nearly six-feet, six-inches, Fundora (22-1-1, 14 KOs) showcased not just his height but also his boxing prowess as he rose to the rank of unified champion, while Booker (23-2, 11 KOs) faced the disappointment of falling short in his first world title opportunity. Booker came into the fight ranked No. 5 by the WBO and No. 14 by the WBC.

"I've felt ready this whole time since my last fight,” said Fundora, who won his titles with a decision victory over Tim Tszyu in March 2024. “I've worked very hard this past year to be ready. Now I've successfully defended my two titles and the sky's the limit. I showed the fans that I'm a powerful fighter. I've always been a powerful fighter and I showed it even more tonight.”

Known for his exciting fighting style, Fundora started the bout patiently, using his considerable reach to deliver a snapping jab while Booker circled the ring, trying to gauge the distance. Booker managed to connect with some sharp counter hooks but struggled to slow Fundora’s advancing momentum.

"We didn't even bring a southpaw into camp,” said Booker. “It was just about catching his footwork. He didn't want to trade at all, so we just broke him down to the body and when I hurt him in the third round, it slowed him down a lot.”

After an intense third round where Fundora determinedly pursued Booker and landed significant blows, he unleashed a powerful left hook followed by a series of uppercuts in the fourth round that floored Booker. Though Booker bravely rose to his feet after the knockdown, Fundora pressed with relentless pressure until referee Thomas Taylor stopped the bout at 2:51 into the round. Fundora dominated the CompuBox stats, out-landing Booker 79 to 37.

Following the fight, Fundora expressed his aspirations to battle the best in the 154-pound division. "I'd love to be the undisputed champion like my sister,” said Fundora, referring to fellow boxer Gabriela Fundora. “Whoever they have for me next, I'll be ready. I want the IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev, plus Xander Zayas is the WBO mandatory, and I also want Errol Spence Jr. We have two belts, we have to defend them, and if anyone is willing to unify, let's do that too."

In the co-main event, rising Mexican star Jesus Ramos Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs) made a statement with a seventh-round TKO victory over Argentina’s Guido Emmanuel Schramm (16-4-2, 9 KOs), continuing his momentum after a recent win. Ramos dominated from the outset and overcame a hand injury suffered during the fight.

"I had some obstacles,” Ramos shared. “I hurt my hand in the third round, but I battled through it. I made a promise, so I had to get him out of there.”

Demonstrating his skills, Ramos leaned heavily on body shots and volume punching, effectively wearing down Schramm, particularly in the second round where he out-landed Schramm 31-5. In the seventh round, Ramos capitalized on an opening, landing a left hook that buckled Schramm and set him up for a flurry of powerful punches, ultimately prompting referee Mark Nelson to stop the fight at 1:38 of the round.

"It was hard to get the finish,” said Ramos. “He has a lot of heart and he displayed it tonight. I tip my hat to him, he's a great warrior. Hopefully now I can get the winner of the main event next."

Action continued in the fight card as rising contender Elijah Garcia (17-1, 13 KOs) faced a tough challenge against veteran Terrell Gausha (24-5-1, 12 KOs). Garcia not only survived an early knockdown but also secured a split decision victory. The judges scored the bout 95-94 for Gausha and 96-93, 95-94 in favor of Garcia.

Reflecting on the early setback, Garcia stated, "I figured after he dropped me that was the hardest I was going to get hit.”

Gausha struck first, knocking Garcia down in the opening round with a powerful right hand. Yet, Garcia displayed resilience and was able to recover, focusing on body shots to break down his experienced opponent. In total, Garcia threw 738 punches, compared to Gausha's 542, landing 123 body shots against just 7 from Gausha.

"People can think what they want,” Garcia remarked. “I went in the ring and fought my ass off against an Olympian. He’s only lost to world champions, and I went in there and beat him.”

As the fight concluded, both fighters felt they had performed well enough to win. Gausha stated, "He was a tough, gritty guy. That’s why I took this fight – I knew he would push me. The decision is unfortunate, but all I can do is try to regroup and get better." With the excitement of the night, boxing continues to thrill fans and showcase the next generation of champions in the ring.