In a highly anticipated match on March 22, 2025, Sebastian Fundora showcased his dominance in the ring with a stunning fourth-round technical knockout victory over Chordale Booker at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas. This showdown saw the WBC and WBO junior middleweight champion, standing tall at 6'5 1/2", relentlessly using his height and superior reach to overwhelm his opponent, Booker, who entered the ring with a record of 23 wins, 2 losses (23-2, 11 KOs).
Fundora, now boasting a record of 22 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw (22-1-1, 14 KOs), demonstrated his preparedness after a year-long hiatus from the sport. The fight quickly turned into a display of Fundora's punching power and stamina, with Booker laboring to keep up under the weight of Fundora's aggressive assault. As the rounds wore on, it became increasingly clear that Booker struggled to mount an effective offense against the champion's relentless onslaught.
In the first three rounds, while Booker attempted to evade Fundora's strikes by employing movement and landing isolated punches, it was evident that was not enough to deter the champion. By the third round, Booker's nose was already bleeding badly, showing the tangible effects of Fundora's barrage. "We didn’t even bring a southpaw into camp," stated Booker, reflecting on his preparations. "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.” However, that brief moment of success was overshadowed by the overwhelming volume of punches coming from Fundora.
It was in the fourth round that the fight turned decisively. Fundora trapped Booker against the ropes and unleashed a series of unforgiving punches. After knocking Booker down, the challenger valiantly got back to his feet, only to be closely monitored by referee Thomas Taylor. The referee's decision to stop the fight came just as Fundora closed in for the finish. Booker had fallen against the ropes, unable to effectively defend himself from the incoming blows, prompting the referee to call the match at 2:51 of the fourth round.
While 31-year-old Booker fought valiantly, the size and power of the 26-year-old Fundora proved too overwhelming. "I’ve felt ready this whole time since my last fight," said Fundora post-fight, expressing his confidence and readiness to face future challengers. "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.”
The bout resembled more of a showcase than a competitive match, with Booker physically unable to match Fundora's size and fighting style. "It was a slaughter," one commentator remarked, emphasizing the disparity in strength and strategy that defined the night. Fundora's high work rate and straightforward power influenced the entire tenor of the fight, leaving Booker with little option to retaliate.
With this victory, Fundora’s next steps in the boxing world are already taking shape. Rumors indicate he might vacate his WBO title rather than defend it against his next mandatory challenger, Xander Zayas, due to the perceived lack of financial incentive in that matchup. Fundora decisively proved that he is a force in the 154-pound division, and should he choose to defend his title, he will likely continue to command attention as one of the prominent figures in boxing today.
The event itself was well-attended, reflecting the public's eagerness to witness a match between two fighters of this caliber. While Booker may not have secured a victory, the opportunity to face a champion of Fundora's standing has given him valuable experience in the ring. For now, Fundora stands tall in the boxing world, bolstered by this latest triumph as he aims for new challenges ahead.
