Fundora Stops Thurman in 6; Retains Super Welterweight Title
Sebastian Fundora stopped former unified world champion Keith Thurman in round six to retain to the WBC Super Welterweight title at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Fundora took the first three round to establish his jab and follow with right hands and uppercuts.
In round three, Thurman started to swell around the right eye. In round six, Thurman’s left eye was a bloody mess. In round six, Fundora turned up the pressure and began to batter Thurman all over the ring and the fight was stopped at 1:17.
Fundora, 153.6 lbs of Coachella, CA is 24-1-1 with 16 knockouts. Thurman152.6 lbs of Clearwater, FL is 31-2.
Tellez Decisions Mendoza
Yoenis Tellez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Brian Mendoza in a super welterweight bout.
In round two, Tellez was cut badly on his nose from an accidental headbut.
In round eight, Mendoza was cut around the left eye from an accidental haedbutt.
Tellez landed 147 of 435 punches. Mendoza was 125 of 501.
Tellez, 153.8 lbs of Santiago De Cuba, CUB won by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 twice and is now 12-1. Mendoza, 153.2 lbs of Las Vegas is 23-5.
Hernandez Stops Gausha in 5
Yoenli Hernandez stopped former two-time world title challenger in round five of their 10-round middleweight fight.
Hernandez landed thudding power shots throughout until the fight was stopped at 1:17.
Hernandez, 158.4 lbs of Camaguay, CUB is 10-0 with nine knockouts. Gausha, 160.8 lbs of Cleveland is 21-6-1.
Hovhannisyan Stops Navarro in Five
Massive heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan in round five stopped Cesar Navarro of a 10-round bout.
Hovhannisyan dominated using mostly the jab and in round five, Hovhannisyan turned it up and battered Navarro in both hands until the bout was stopped at 2:45.
Hovhannisyan, 281.4 lbs of Los Angeles is 10-0 with nine knockouts. Navarro, 210.2 lbs pf Phoenix is 15-4.
Kevin Newman II won a 10-round majority decision over Elijah Garcia in a super middleweight bout.
Newman, 171.4 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 98-92, 06-94and 95-95 and is now 19-3-1; Garcia, 171.4 ls of Phoenix is 17-2.
Bryan Gonzalez stopped Brandon Medina in round five of their six-round featherweight bout.
Gonzalez, 125 lbs of Phoenix is 6- with four knockouts. Medina, 124.6 lbs of Mexico is 7-5
Kaipo Gallegos got dropped for the first time in his career, but he was able to shake it off and win a 10-round unanimous decision over Julian Gonzalez in a lightweight bout.
In round three, Gonzales dropped Gallegos with a straight right on the chin. That was the only blemish for Gallegos as he countered very well thtoughout.
Gallegos, 134.3 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 98-91 and 97-92 twice and is now 12-0-1. Gonzalez, 134.2 lbs of Reading, PA is 16-2-1.
VIDEO: Fundora vs. Thurman WEIGH-IN
VIDEO: Fundora vs. Thurman FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA VS. KEITH THURMAN FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
LAS VEGAS – March 26, 2026 – WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and former unified champion Keith “One Time” Thurman squared off at the final press conference Thursday before they meet in the main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video this Saturday, March 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The press conference also included top super welterweight contender Yoenis Tellez and Brian Mendoza, who meet in the 12-round co-main event, top-rated middleweight Yoenli Hernandez and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha, who meet in a 10-round matchup and heavyweight sluggers Gurgen Hovhannisyan and Cesar Navarro, who meet in the 10-round pay-per-view opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Also in attendance Thursday was super middleweight contender Kevin Newman, who headlines FIRST ON PRIME action against exciting young star Elijah Garcia streaming live and for free on Prime Video preceding the pay-per-view. Also featured in Prime Video action is rising prospect Kaipo Gallegos, who takes on once-beaten Julian Gonzalez in a 10-round bout opening the card at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT and undefeated prospect Brayan Gonzalez and Mexico’s Brandon Medina, who square off in a six-round showdown.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“We’re gonna have a great night on Saturday. Expect ‘The Towering Inferno’ to burn Las Vegas down once again.
“I definitely don’t see this going 12 rounds, but no matter how long it goes, it ends with me having my hand raised.
“Thurman is a good talker. He likes to talk. That’s how he is. He’s a great champion as well, but Saturday night I’m planning to crash his party.
“I think I’ve just been growing up and becoming more mature with every fight. I’m getting a harder task every fight, so I’ve been learning on the job.
“Thurman is one of my best opponents for sure. But I have to look at it like just another fight. I have to look at it as my job. This is work for me, and I just have to clock in on Saturday.
“Look where I’m at and what I’m doing. I’m very blessed. I’m not trying to look ahead too much, because it’s disrespectful to myself.”
KEITH THURMAN
“It’s been a beautiful build up to this fight. It’s been a long time coming. I’m facing a great champion and we’re gonna make it happen.
“I’m here to hurt this boy. I’m trying to send him home beltless. Fundora gets hit. He’s used to trading and going at it. But I’m here to put that fire out.
“I’ve been doing this for a long time. Come March 28 you’re gonna see why I’ve been able to do this as long as I have.
“Fundora has evolved to become a greater champion than he was before. And that’s what boxing’s all about. There’s always someone who’s got your number and I know that I have what it takes.
“I’ve been favorited in the majority of all of my fights, but at the end of the day, being the hunter is a lot of fun. I’m on the prowl. There’s nothing like becoming world champion by taking it from the previous world champion, especially a highly-qualified world champion like Fundora.
“You’re gonna see 30 years of greatness on Saturday. Blood, sweat, tears, sacrifice. It’s gonna be poetry in motion.
“I’m here to make history. This is history in the making come March 28.”
YOENIS TELLEZ
“This is a great opportunity. Cuba is going through very hard times and I’m dedicating this fight to my country. I’m ready to show what I’m made of.
“I’ve proven that I’ll always face top opponents who are worthy of the level that I’m at. I’ve heard Mendoza say that I’m not on his level, but I’m here to prove that I am.”
BRIAN MENDOZA
“I’m a short-notice king at this point. I’ve been training with Richard Barrientes for over a year fine-tuning and improving everything in my game.
“This fight feels like when I fought Jeison Rosario on short notice. I have my back against the wall again and you see how I fight when that happens.
“I know that I belong at the top of this division. This is a definite must-win and I will win. We’ve been grinding nonstop and improving my game.
“I’m the one with the experience and I’ve shown that I can get victories at this level. I believe that experience will be the difference in this fight.”
YOENLI HERNANDEZ
“I’m here for another victory. I’m excited to be back in Las Vegas. I don’t need to say much, but I promise that I’m ready.
“There is no difficult opponent for me. I’m only focused on what I have to do. We’re ready to show everyone what I can do.”
TERRELL GAUSHA
“I’ve fought everybody. You can check my resume. I handle my business in the ring. I’ve trained hard to give you all a good fight. You have to fight the best to be the best, that’s what it’s all about.
“We’re gonna stop this narrative about me being a tough opponent for the champions. We’re gonna switch that narrative up. I’m a competitor and a fighter.
“I don’t look at Yoenli like everyone else does. He’s tough, but I fight the best. I’m coming to win. I’m not here for anything else.”
GURGEN HOVHANNISYAN
“I don’t like to talk a lot, but I’m ready to show everyone a great fight on Saturday night. You don’t wanna miss it.
“I’m very ready. I always respect my opponent and go in there to do my job. That’s what it’s all about.”
CESAR NAVARRO
“Opportunities like this don’t come around often. On March 28 I’m stepping in against a tough opponent. We know this won’t be easy, and that’s what I love, because I’m here for a challenge.
“On March 28 I’m here to represent my city, my culture, and everyone who believes in me. Phoenix and Mexico, this one’s for you.
“I’m Mexican, so I fight and do this for a living. We’re gonna go in there and do whatever we have to do to get this victory.”
KEVIN NEWMAN
“You guys aren’t gonna want to miss this one. Saturday night I’m facing a strong young fighter and I’m gonna put on a spectacular performance. You’re gonna leave talking about this one.
“I’m very confident in my abilities. It’s not about him being strong, it’s about skills and self-belief. I believe that I’m gonna go out there Saturday night and dominate.
“Roy Jones Jr. has helped give me the dominating mindset. You need to have that in this game. He’s pushed me past my limits to pull that out. We’re going to display it all on Saturday night.”
KAIPO GALLEGOS
“Tune in on March 28, I’m gonna put on a good show and make sure I get that victory. Look out for me, I’m on the come up. Come Saturday night, we’re gonna get that victory.
“It feels great to be in this position. It’s a dream come true to fight here at MGM Grand. Now it’s time and I’m ready. I’ve put in the hard work and I can’t wait to put on a good show.”
BRAYAN GONZALEZ
“It’s such a blessing to be here. I dreamed of doing this as a kid and now I get to live it. So I won’t take it for granted.
“I know my opponent has faced good fighters, but I’m here to make a statement and show why I’m different on Saturday night.
“Early on in my career I’ve just been getting used to the pros. It’s a big difference, but honestly I feel like my skill and my talent has translated.”
BRANDON MEDINA
“This is a dream come true. I worked very hard to get to this point and I’m here to put my city on the map.
“I’m used to facing good opponents. This is nothing new to me. I’m here to show the best of me. I’m gonna prove that I’m able to fight anyone at this level.”
# # #
ABOUT FUNDORA VS. THURMAN
Fundora vs. Thurman will see WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora battle former unified champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video on Saturday, March 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature exciting super welterweights going toe-to-toe in the 12-round co-main event as rising young star Yoenis Tellez duels top contender Brian Mendoza.
The lineup will also feature undefeated top-rated middleweight Yoenli Hernandez stepping in against battle-tested U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in a 10-round bout, plus undefeated heavyweight slugger Gurgen Hovhannisyan steps in to face Cesar Navarro in a 10-round showdown opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Exciting young star Elijah Garcia and super middleweight contender Kevin Newman II will meet in the main event of FIRST ON PRIME action streaming live and for free on Prime Video prior to the pay-per-view beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.
Gloves Off: Fundora vs Thurman is streaming now on Prime Video. Below you can find a YouTube link to the program.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
LAS VEGAS – March 23, 2026 – One of the most unique world champions to rise to the top of the sport in recent memory, WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora has vexed nearly all of his opponents with outlandish height and reach, combined with the come forward style of a differently proportioned fighter, and will look to continue his recent run of dominance this Saturday when he takes on his most experienced opponent to date in former unified champion Keith “One Time” Thurman headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Ahead of this pivotal March 28 showdown, Fundora’s opponents shared their firsthand experience stepping into the ring with the preposterously six-foot-five 154-pound world champion, including his most recent foe, former champion Tim Tszyu, who faced Fundora in a pair of memorable clashes.
“Fundora’s biggest advantage is the number of punches he throws in a round,” said Tszyu. “It’s the fact that he doesn’t let anyone rest. Because he’s so tall, he’s able to just punch and punch without using too much energy. That’s his biggest strength.
“He’s a bit of a nightmare, but he’s also easy to hit. But he’s also tough as hell, he gets hit and keeps coming. It’s hard to be strategic. When you fight Fundora, expect that you’re gonna be in one of the hardest fights.”
In between fights against Tszyu, Fundora defended his championships against WBO top contender Chordale Booker, who had a moment early in the first round of their fight that made him realize he was in for an even more challenging task than he expected.
“It’s already hard to fight somebody as tall as Sebastian, but it’s that length that he has,” said Booker. “He came out and threw the jab and I remember the first thing I did was pull, and he still hit me. I trained for a guy who was tall and gave up his height, but when he came to fight me he had just had the first fight with Tszyu, and he clearly had worked on his range. That made it a difficult fight for me.”
Tszyu also emphasized the same point about Fundora’s length and the difficulties that creates, especially related to how much energy Fundora’s opponents have to exert compared to him.
“I was just throwing haymakers without even looking and every time that happened I was swinging at air,” said Tszyu. “Because of his reach and his awkwardness and that he can take a step back and be completely out of the way, he’s got big strengths. The most challenging part was that there was no wasted energy from him. The amount of work that I had to do in a round, compared to him, my energy was much more wasted.”
Two opponents who gave Fundora some trouble in their fights also analyzed the challenges they faced in their respective matchups. Contender Jamontay Clark fought Fundora to a draw in 2019, while top contender Erickson Lubin was able to drop Fundora before ultimately losing one of 2022’s best fights.
“It was an intense fight,” said Clark. “Every time a new round would start, he would smile over at me and I was like ‘okay here we go again.’ I knew I had to be on top of my game. When we fought, Fundora was really all pressure. But watching his last couple fights, it looks like he’s started to sit back on his back foot more and try to pop the jab. I feel like he doesn’t bring his jab hand back all the way fast enough, but he’s so tall that he can usually get away with it.”
“Fighting Sebastian Fundora is a challenge for sure,” said Lubin. “He’s just something you don’t see at this weight class. He’s a great fighter who brings the fight. He makes every fighter have to engage with him. He takes up a lot of space in the ring and it was a different kind of challenge for me.”
The fighter with the best blueprint on facing Fundora is certainly top contender Brian Mendoza, who stopped Fundora with a sensational knockout in one of 2023’s biggest upsets, before Fundora earned his first world championship. For Mendoza, one of the keys to beating Fundora is based in a skillset that he believes Fundora will be forced to overcome against the talented former champion Thurman.
“Fighting Fundora is definitely something that you can’t truly prepare for,” said Mendoza. “You need tons of lateral movement, which I think Thurman has, and you need to be able to cross up his angles.
“I don’t think people really noticed my lateral movement in our fight. They saw him getting downhill and landing on me, but they didn’t notice how many shots I got out of the way of. I think Thurman is a big threat because he knows how to get you to cross your feet up and get you to come in with that leaping hook. You saw in my fight with Fundora that it can be his kryptonite.”
Moments after coming up short in their second fight, Tszyu said in his post-fight interview that he “felt like I was shadowboxing with myself sometimes,” in trying to turn the tide against Fundora. When asked how he feels about going up against an opponent who elicits that kind of reaction after a fight, Thurman detailed why he’ll be able to end March 28 with a different outcome.
“It’s all about the reach factor that Tszyu was referencing,” said Thurman. “He felt like he was shadowboxing himself because he kept falling short and missing by inches. He was able to land some punches as well, but he’s more flat-footed and not as mobile as I am.
“I understand where he’s coming from. Fundora is like a walking obstacle course for anyone in the division. He’s a freak of nature and it’s gonna be challenging. He’s let people on the inside in the past and I’m not sure he can just pepper me with that jab all night like against Tszyu, because I’m not gonna be standing straight up. I have good head movement and bobbing and weaving tactics. We believe that we’ll be able to get inside, be explosive and make up for that gap and eventually get our hands on Fundora.”
# # #
ABOUT FUNDORA VS. THURMAN
Fundora vs. Thurman will see WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora battle former unified champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video on Saturday, March 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature exciting super welterweights going toe-to-toe in the co-main event as rising young star Yoenis Tellez duels top contender Brian Mendoza.
The lineup will also feature undefeated top-rated middleweight Yoenli Hernandez stepping in against battle-tested U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in a 10-round bout, plus undefeated heavyweight slugger Gurgen Hovhannisyan steps in to face Cesar Navarro in a 10-round showdown opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Exciting young star Elijah Garcia and super middleweight contender Kevin Newman II will meet in the main event of FIRST ON PRIME action streaming live and for free on Prime Video prior to the pay-per-view beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.
Gloves Off: Fundora vs Thurman is streaming now on Prime Video. Below you can find a YouTube link to the program.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
TAMPA, FL. – March 17, 2026 – Former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman plans to stamp his place as a future first ballot of famer when he challenges WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video taking place Saturday, March 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
“This will definitely solidify me as a Hall of Famer,” said Thurman. “This is just a beautiful opportunity. The last time I held a world title was in 2019. I don’t think anyone from that generation has a story like this. Boxing loves great comeback stories and this as a modern day story right now. This is what boxing movies are all about. It’s been done, it can be done and it’s gonna be done again. I’m looking forward to solidifying my place in boxing history.”
This matchup was originally scheduled to take place last October, before a Fundora hand injury caused the delay. While Thurman, who’s had several fights delayed or cancelled throughout his career, was initially disheartened by the news, he took solace in a certain delicious outside the ring pleasure, before turning his attention back to chopping down Fundora.
“At the time it just felt like it was hard to catch a break,” said Thurman. “But I know how to be patient. Now the fight’s happening and they say good things come to those who wait. Only thing I did after the delay was take my daughter to eat ice cream every day for a week. Might as well enjoy it for a second before we got back track for this matchup.”
On March 28, Thurman will enter the ring for the second time led by veteran trainer Tony Morgan, who trained Andre Berto to world championship glory and who’s known Thurman since the amateurs. After longtime trainer Dan Birmingham’s retirement, Thurman feels lucky that his corner has always been led by someone familiar with Thurman for decades.
“One of the reasons why I chose Tony Morgan is because we go way back,” said Thurman. “There aren’t a lot of people who know Keith Thurman the way Tony Morgan knows Keith Thurman. He was very close friends with my first coach Ben Getty. We’ve had a great relationship since my youth. I didn’t pick Tony to replace my coach, my coach Dan Birmingham retired.
“Unlike a lot of fighters, I’m very blessed to have trainers who really know my history and my background. Tony Morgan is a world class trainer who’s had Olympians and world champions and he’s extremely qualified for the job. I love working with people who understand me. He sees what I see, which is what can be taken advantage of in this fight.”
While Thurman was eager to return to world champion status, the fight with Fundora was not one that had been in his mind for very long before originally being agreed to last year. Fundora was still early on his rise up the 154-pound ranks when Thurman was atop the welterweight division. However, after Fundora replaced an injured Thurman to face Tim Tszyu in 2024, Thurman began to see a potential future clash as his road to reclaiming a belt.
“Fundora wasn’t a big name when he was first coming up and I was yet to enter the division,” said Thurman. “He’s so tall that you weren’t sure if he was going to be moving up to other weight classes. It didn’t really cross my mind until he took my spot when I got hurt before the Tim Tszyu fight. I knew that I wanted to win a world title and once he won his rematch, I knew my path to the world title was gonna go through Fundora.”
As fight week near, Thurman has promised fans a memorable, action-packed clash on March 28, and believes he has the ring savvy and power to end the action before the final bell.
“March 28 the world is gonna see one of the best fights of the year,” said Thurman. “Fundora really comes to fight and I truly come to fight. There’s a lot of potential for some great back and forth. I’m gonna look to set traps, drop those heavy hammers on him and hopefully go home early. Fundora’s never seen anything like this.”
# # #
ABOUT FUNDORA VS. THURMAN
Fundora vs. Thurman will see WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora battle former unified champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video on Saturday, March 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature exciting super welterweights going toe-to-toe in the co-main event as rising young star Yoenis Tellez duels top contender Brian Mendoza.
The lineup will also feature undefeated top-rated middleweight Yoenli Hernandez stepping in against battle-tested U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in a 10-round bout, plus undefeated heavyweight slugger Gurgen Hovhannisyan steps in to face Cesar Navarro in a 10-round showdown opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Exciting young star Elijah Garcia and super middleweight contender Kevin Newman II will meet in the main event of PBC on Prime Video action streaming live and for free on Prime Video prior to the pay-per-view.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
RISING YOUNG STAR YOENIS TELLEZ TAKES ON TOP CONTENDER BRIAN MENDOZA IN NEW CO-MAIN EVENT OF PBC PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT AVAILABLE ON PRIME VIDEO SATURDAY, MARCH 28
LAS VEGAS – March 13, 2026 – Rising young Cuban star Yoenis Tellez will square off against top contender Brian Mendoza in a super welterweight showdown between former interim champions that serves as the new co-main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video on Saturday, March 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
This fight replaces the previously announced Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr. bout, which has been postponed.
The pay-per-view will now open up with undefeated heavyweight slugger Gurgen Hovhannisyan stepping in to face Cesar Navarro in a 10-round showdown at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, and also feature the showdown between undefeated top-rated middleweight Yoenli Hernandez and battle-tested U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha.
Exciting young star Elijah Garcia and super middleweight contender Kevin Newman II will now meet in the main event of PBC on Prime Video action streaming live and for free on Prime Video prior to the pay-per-view. The complete lineup of fights that lead into the pay-per-view will be announced shortly.
The jam-packed card is topped by WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora defending his world title against former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
**YOENIS TELLEZ VS. BRIAN MENDOZA**
In a battle of former interim champions at 154 pounds, Cuba’s Yoenis Tellez will look to take down another veteran opponent in the always dangerous contender Brian Mendoza, as they go toe-to-toe in super welterweight action.
The 25-year-old Tellez (11-1, 8 KOs) captured the WBA Interim Title with a March 2025 decision over former world champion Julian Williams. After dropping a tough decision to eventual 154-pound world champion Abass Baraou last August, Tellez most recently got back in the win column with a December stoppage of Kendo Castaneda. Previously Tellez made his first big splash in the sport when he stepped in on short notice in July 2023 to blast out contender Sergio Garcia and earn a third-round TKO on the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford undercard. Originally from Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, Téllez continued to rise in two subsequent bouts after the Garcia triumph, closing the show in style with a 10th-round TKO of Livan Navarro in December 2023 before earning a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Joseph Jackson in April 2024.
“I respect Brian Mendoza and everything he’s done, but on March 28 at MGM Grand, I’m coming hungry and ready to seize this opportunity,” said Tellez. “I’ve worked too hard to let this moment pass me by. I’m prepared to leave everything in the ring, because my goal is to get back to that world title fight, and this is a major step in that direction. The fans in Las Vegas are going to see the best version of me, and I plan to put on a show. I’m coming with everything!”
Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico and now fighting out of Las Vegas, Mendoza (23-4, 17 KOs) earned the WBC Interim Title with a highlight-reel knockout of reigning world champion Sebastian Fundora in April 2023, and still holds the distinction as the only fighter to best Fundora. He followed up that win by traveling to Australia to challenge then WBO 154-pound world champion Tim Tszyu, eventually losing by decision. After the Tszyu fight, he stepped in on short notice and dropped a decision to top 154-pounder Serhii Bohachuk in 2024, before his latest action saw him stop Jesus Antonio Rojas last July. Led to the ring by renowned trainer Ismael Salas, the 32-year-old Mendoza had previously knocked out former unified 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario in November 2022 and rode a three-fight winning streak into a decision defeat against now Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jesus Ramos Jr. in September 2021.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be back under the bright lights in Las Vegas on a card like this,” said Mendoza. “A win here turns everything around and puts me right back where I belong, with the best in the world at 154 pounds. I’m hungrier than ever to get back to the top and ready to knock out whoever gets in my way, starting with Tellez.”
**YOENLI HERNANDEZ VS. TERRELL GAUSHA**
In a 10-round middleweight attraction, one of the 160-pound division’s fastest-rising stars Yoenli Hernandez will put his unbeaten record on the line against his toughest opponent to date, the dangerous U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha, with the winner in prime position to challenge for middleweight gold.
Ranked number one by the WBA, number two by the WBC and number three by the WBO, Hernandez (9-0, 8 KOs) is yet another in a long line of sensational amateur fighters to come from the Cuban program, with his long resume before turning pro featuring a 2021 gold medal at AIBA World Boxing Championships. Originally from Camaguey, Cuba and now fighting out of Providence, Rhode Island, Hernandez turned pro in May 2022 with a pair of stoppage victories and continued to dominate his competition as he rose up the rankings. The 28-year-old returned in 2024 with four U.S. fights, including a stoppage of the veteran contender Alejandro Barrera in June and a TKO over the previously unbeaten Bryce Henry in October. Hernandez added three more victories in 2025, including a shutout unanimous decision over top contender Kyrone Davis on Prime Video last May.
“I’m extremely grateful for another opportunity to showcase my talents,” said Hernandez. “But let’s be real, not everyone has the heart to step in there with me. Respect to the one who will on March 28. I’m locked in, staying sharp and I’m coming to make a statement. No shortcuts, no excuses, just pressure. Stay tuned.”
A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, Gausha (24-5-1, 12 KOs) was born in Cleveland, Ohio but now fights out of Encino, California and is trained by the renowned Manny Robles. Gausha bounced back from an unsuccessful title challenge of WBC Middleweight World Champion Carlos Adames in 2024 to drop Elijah Garcia in their 2025 showdown, eventually coming up on the short end of a narrow split decision. Prior to facing Adames, Gausha had won back-to-back bouts as he knocked out Brandyn Lynch in March 2023 before winning a decision over KeAndrae Leatherwood in September of that year. 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 World Champion Erislandy Lara, former world champion Tim Tszyu and top contender Erickson Lubin.
“I’m a true professional who’s always training, because boxing is what I do,” said Gausha. “I’ve seen Yoenli fight and he’s a young, strong, skilled fighter. If you’ve watched my fights in the past, you’ll know that’s what I like. I want to test myself against the best. Beating him will get me close to my goal of becoming world champion. That’s what I’m here for.”
**GURGEN HOVHANNISYAN VS. CESAR NAVARRO**
The undefeated heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan will make his 2026 debut as he continues his ascent up the rankings against Cesar Navarro, who will look to make it three straight victories in their 10-round affair.
An Armenian-native now living and training in Los Angeles, Hovhannisyan (9-0, 8 KOs) has made his rise under the watchful eye of top trainer Joe Goossen. Now the WBA’s number 10 ranked heavyweight, Hovhannisyan returns to action after scoring two victories in 2025. He kicked off the year with a fifth-round KO of Dajuan Calloway in April before most recently stopping Chris Thomas in round three in July. The 28-year-old also owns a stoppage victory over veteran contender Michael Polite-Coffie.
“I’m ready to show everybody how much I continue to improve,” said Hovhannisyan. “I’m definitely coming for another knockout victory. We’ve been grinding and grinding and it’s time to show the world all that we’ve been working on.”
The 26-year-old Navarro (15-3, 13 KOs) steps back into the ring fresh off back-to-back TKO victories, with his most recent triumph coming last September against Derek Saul Cardenas Perez. The 26-year-old showed he’s danger for any opponent last May as he dropped the undefeated contender Dainier Pero twice before losing a close decision. A pro since 2017, Navarro was unbeaten in his first eight fights and has gone the distance in each of his defeats.
“Opportunities like this don’t come around often and I don’t take it lightly,” said Navarro. “On March 28 in Las Vegas I get to step into the ring against a tough opponent in Gurgen Hovhannisyan. It’s a big stage and that’s exactly where I want to be. I’m proud to represent Phoenix and my Mexican roots event time I step into the ring. Fighters from where I’m from know how to grind and fight with heart. On March 28 I’m coming to represent my city, my culture and everyone who believes in me. Phoenix and Mexico – this is for you.”
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA VS. KEITH THURMAN VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
LAS VEGAS – March 11, 2026 – WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman previewed their world championship showdown during a virtual press conference on Wednesday before they headline a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, March 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The reigning world champion Fundora will look for a signature victory to bolster his claim as the world’s best 154-pounder when he takes on Thurman, one of the best fighters of his era, who can solidify his resume by being crowned champion in a second division.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“We’re ready to defend our title and remain WBC Super Welterweight World Champion. I’m just looking at Keith as another fight. I’ve fought a reigning champion and former champions. So I just have to see it as another fight. I have to go make the ring mine and make this fight mine as well.
“I’m the younger guy and I’m the champion. Lots of things favor me in this fight. You can’t just rely on that of course. But I’m extremely confident and more matured at this point in my career.
“I have to expect the best Keith Thurman to come out. That’s what we’re training for. Whether he brings it or not, that’s not up to me. But I’ll be ready.
“He says I haven’t fought any OG’s, but that’s because those OG’s aren’t around anymore.
“He looked good in his last fight, but I think my skills are better. That’s why we’re fighting. I’m planning to go in there and defend my title successfully.
“I’ve fought a lot of good fighters and I’m just seeing Thurman as another fight. This would be a good win against another accomplished former champion.
“Boxing is full of opinions. Anybody can say whatever they want. Freedom of speech. Like whoever you like, but I consider myself the best at 154 pounds.
“What I watch when I’m working my sister’s fights is a more human reaction. I can see things from the outside view that you don’t notice because you’re only focused on your opponent. It gives you a different perspective.”
KEITH THURMAN
“He needs to be Sebastian Fundora, He’s trying to simplify it for himself. It’s a heavy weight on the shoulders being champion, I know. He’s gonna see what an OG can do.
“Great champions become champions again and you can’t stop a champion from rising to the top. I’ve got several more tangos left in me and that’s what March 28 is all about. I’m back in the spotlight and ready to showcase my talents.
“When he goes down, he’s gonna realize what a legend is. He hasn’t met one yet. He knows what he needs to tell himself to get in the ring like it’s just another day. I take it a little more serious than that, and he’s gonna find out that March 28 isn’t just another day, it’s Thurman’s day.
“Fundora is starting to get better and better. He’s starting to get some of those layers. But it takes a fight like this to really reach the highest level. That’s what makes great champions.”
“I’m healthy and I’m ready to get in the ring and swing. I want the best. Fundora says he’s the best. I love going for the belt and taking the belt. That’s what boxing is all about.
“Danny Garcia is the only champion I’ve gotten to take the belt from. Now it’s happening for the second time and in a second division. I’m ready to keep writing my history.
“My sparring partners definitely have the height and reach that’s gotten me familiar with what I need. Of course I won’t be facing the real Sebastian Fundora until I’m in the ring, just like he won’t be facing the real Keith Thurman until then.
“I’m in there trading punches with heavyweights for this fight. My two sparring partners are giving both of Fundora’s looks, the come forward fighter or the back foot jabber, and they’ve got me prepared for whatever he brings on March 28.
“This would be a great win on my resume. It would be a legendary comeback win. There are times where you can win against a soft champion, but that’s not Sebastian.”
VIDEO: SEBASTIAN FUNDORA VS. KEITH THURMAN VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA TRAINING CAMP QUOTES
COACHELLA, CA. – March 3, 2026 – WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora has his sights set on re-establishing himself as the top fighter at 154-pounds when he takes on former unified champion Keith “One Time” Thurman on Saturday, March 28 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Fundora and Thurman had originally been scheduled to meet last October, before a Fundora hand injury that the reigning champ has since recovered from.
“Camp has been good since recovering from the hand injury,” said Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs). “We never stopped training, we just slowed down on some things that we do. We always figure out ways to work, because this is an all year sport. This isn’t seasonal. I don’t think about this is a training camp, this is my job. This is a lifestyle.
“Having more time to focus on one opponent is always a blessing. We wish it didn’t happen this way with the injury, but we’ll take advantage of the extra time. It was disappointing to have to postpone the fight, but things happen in boxing and in life. You just have to roll with the punches. Not being able to use my hands as much as I wanted was challenging. For a period of time, we couldn’t do that. So I had to figure out a way to make sense of it.”
Fundora returns to the ring after sandwiching a pair of victories over Australian superstar Tim Tszyu around a March 2025 stoppage of top rated contender Chordale Booker. Last July, Fundora delivered perhaps the best performance of his career, stopping Tszyu in their rematch with a violent and dominant display. Now he hopes to pick up where he left off on that triumphant night last summer.
“Beating this former world champion will make a big statement,” said Fundora. “I still feel like I’m at the top of the division. I don’t think we’ve lost any momentum, we just had to reschedule. We’re not hiding from anybody. This is gonna remind everyone that we are at the top.”
In Thurman, Fundora faces without a doubt the most accomplished foe of his career. Thurman had a long reign as the king of the 147-pound division, before officially debuting at 154 with a knockout of Brock Jarvis last March. In the build up to their matchup, Fundora named one of Thurman’s best victory, a decision over fellow then-unbeaten welterweight world champion Danny Garcia, as his favorite performance of his upcoming opponent.
“I liked Thurman’s performance against Danny Garcia,” said Fundora. “Garcia was also a top name and those two clashing together was a great fight and Thurman getting the victory showed how great of a fighter he was.”
Fundora vs. Thurman not only presents a unique clash inside of the ring, but outside of it as well, with the soft-spoken, “gentle giant” Fundora going up against the bombastic and outspoken Thurman. While Thurman has tried to poke at Fundora during pre-fight activities, Fundora has no problem brushing the talk to the side.
“Keith’s trash talk is good for TV, that’s what I’ll say,” said Fundora. “He’s always been the bad guy going into a fight because of that. And he backs it up a lot. But this time he’s not gonna be able to back it up.
“I’m not distracted by the talking. It doesn’t bother me one bit. Maybe if he wasn’t as well-known as he is, it could have caught me off guard. But when I step into the ring with these guys, I expect them to hate my guts. I expect that they wanna get rid of me. That’s boxing. We’re in a competitive sport and we want to do the same thing to each other. It’s nothing personal, but we both gotta do what we gotta do.”
A native of Coachella, California, Fundora’s career has been led by his father and trainer Freddy Fundora, who runs the champion’s training camp from their mountain home. The unique landscape for the Fundora’s has helped give Sebastian a boost throughout his career.
“This isn’t easy living right here in the mountains,” said Fundora. “I don’t even know how much snow we have, but it’s a lot. It’s past my ankles already, and we ran in it this morning. There are lots of obstacles training up here, but we still work and come to win and be the best.”
Another advantage for Fundora’s training is that he works alongside his younger sister, undisputed world champion Gabriela Fundora. With Gabriela fighting a couple of weeks before Sebastian gets into the ring, the combined training efforts of the siblings helps boost each up to be their best.
“Having Gabriela training alongside me is a good reminder that show’s me what’s working and what needs to be done,” said Fundora. “Watching her fight is gonna give me a good IQ lesson for what can work for me in this fight and what can’t.”
With a big name opponent and boxing’s historic stage, the MGM Grand Garden Arena, set for Fundora’s arrival, the 28-year-old plans to make the most of this opportunity and continue to lay his claim as king of the super welterweights.
“This is the Fundora’s first pay-per-view main event as the A-side,” said Fundora. “We’re very blessed that Las Vegas is taking us in with open arms. I think every time we fought in Vegas and at MGM, it’s been a great fight. I’m fighting one of the best fighters of this era, so make sure you tune in and watch this live. You’re gonna see the king of 154 do his thing all over again.”
# # #
ABOUT FUNDORA VS. THURMAN
Fundora vs. Thurman will see WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora battle former unified champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video on Saturday, March 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature top heavyweight contender Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez taking on unbeaten U.S. Olympic Silver Medalist Richard Torrez Jr. in an IBF Heavyweight Title Final Eliminator that serves as the co-main event.
The lineup will also feature undefeated top-rated middleweight Yoenli Hernandez stepping in against battle-tested U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in a 10-round bout, plus exciting young star Elijah Garcia faces veteran super middleweight contender Kevin Newman II in the 10-round pay-per-view opener.
Gloves Off: Fundora vs Thurman is streaming now on Prime Video. Below you can find a YouTube link to the program.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
Gloves Off: Fundora vs Thurman Debuts Saturday, Feb. 28 Exclusively on Prime Video
NEW YORK—February 27, 2026— Today, Prime Video announced Gloves Off: Fundora vs Thurman. the latest installment of its compelling, all-access docuseries. Debuting Saturday, Feb. 28 on Prime Video, this edition explores the journey both WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian Fundora and his formidable challenger Keith Thurman have taken in preparation for this high-stakes 154-pound world championship showdown. The PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video event is set to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Few boxers have had a more satisfying two-year run than California native Sebastian Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs). The reigning WBC Super Welterweight Champion, Fundora is putting his title on the line versus a fighter who excels in the international spotlight. Keith Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs) soared through the welterweight ranks, unifying the titles at 147 pounds. Now, the seasoned Clearwater, FL native is making his first bid for a 154-pound title against a red-hot fighter in his prime.
Narrated by Barry Pepper, the series takes fans beyond the ring, blending footage of fighters’ lives, families, and training, as excitement builds for this prime-time showcase in a city famous for career-defining performances.
THREE PIVOTAL SHOWDOWNS ROUND OUT FUNDORA VS. THURMAN PBC PAY-PER-VIEW ON PRIME VIDEO LINEUP SATURDAY, MARCH 28
LAS VEGAS – February 17, 2026 – Three high-stakes showdowns featuring a fight with heavyweight title implications, a top-ranked middleweight and a rising star debuting at super middleweight will round out the four-fight PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video on Saturday, March 28 as WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora battles former unified champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature top heavyweight contender Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez taking on unbeaten U.S. Olympic Silver Medalist Richard Torrez Jr. in an IBF Heavyweight Title Final Eliminator that serves as the co-main event.
The lineup will also feature undefeated top-rated middleweight Yoenli Hernandez stepping in against battle-tested U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in a 10-round bout, plus exciting young star Elijah Garcia faces veteran super middleweight contender Kevin Newman II in the 10-round pay-per-view opener.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
“Saturday, March 28 will now feature three more exciting pay-per-view undercard matchups that feature young stars and top contenders going toe-to-toe, with the winners putting themselves in position for world title glory,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Frank Sanchez has long established himself as a threat to anyone at heavyweight and can re-stake his place toward the top of the division against an undefeated U.S. Olympian in Richard Torrez Jr. Plus sensational Cuban middleweight Yoenli Hernandez takes on his most experienced opponent to date in the always dangerous Terrell Gausha, and Elijah Garcia hopes to make a statement at 168-pounds against the highly-skilled Kevin Newman II rounding out this PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video.”
**FRANK SANCHEZ VS. RICHARD TORREZ JR.**
In an IBF Heavyweight World Title Eliminator, top contender and Cuban standout Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez will take on undefeated U.S. Olympic Silver Medalist Richard Torrez Jr. in a high-stakes crossroad matchup with heavyweight championship implications. Sanchez vs. Torrez is promoted in association with Top Rank.
Born in Guantanamo, Cuba and now fighting out of Miami, Sanchez (25-1, 18 KOs) can put himself back into the world title mix with a victory on March 28. The 33-year-old worked his way up the rankings while winning his first 24 bouts, including a dominant unanimous decision over the then unbeaten Efe Ajagba in October 2021 that cemented his contender status. Sanchez challenged another undefeated foe in May 2024 as he went up against Agit Kabayel, eventually losing the bout in round seven after suffering a knee injury early in the fight. Recovered from the injury, Sanchez returned to the ring last February with a TKO of Ramon Olivas Echeverria.
“A victory on March 28 moves me one step closer to being the IBF’s mandatory challenger and realizing my dream of becoming the first Cuban heavyweight champion of the world,” said Sanchez. “Torrez is a strong fighter who’s hungry to prove himself, but I will win this fight in grand fashion for my great Cuban and Latino fans.”
The 26-year-old Torrez (14-0, 12 KOs) has been perfect as a pro following a sensational amateur career that was capped by earning an Olympic silver medal, and which also featured triumphs over Jared Anderson and Dainier Pero. A native of Tulare, California, Torrez has steadily increased his competition as a pro, with his first notable triumph coming over the then undefeated Brandon Moore via fifth-round TKO in May 2024. After adding wins in 2024 over Joey Dawejko and Isaac Munoc Gutierrez, Torrez defeated another notable name last April as he bested Guido Vianello by unanimous decision. Most recently, Torrez earned a first-round stoppage of Tomas Salek last November.
“Frank is skilled, technical and dangerous, and that’s exactly the kind of challenge I’ve been looking for,” said Torrez. “Great fighters don’t avoid tests; they run toward them. I’ve prepared for every moment of this fight, and when the bell rings, I’m coming to take over.”
**YOENLI HERNANDEZ VS. TERRELL GAUSHA**
In a 10-round middleweight attraction, one of the 160-pound division’s fastest-rising stars Yoenli Hernandez will put his unbeaten record on the line against his toughest opponent to date, the dangerous U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha, with the winner in prime position to challenge for middleweight gold.
Ranked number one by the WBA, number two by the WBC and number three by the WBO, Hernandez (9-0, 8 KOs) is yet another in a long line of sensational amateur fighters to come from the Cuban program, with his long resume before turning pro featuring a 2021 gold medal at AIBA World Boxing Championships. Originally from Camaguey, Cuba and now fighting out of Providence, Rhode Island, Hernandez turned pro in May 2022 with a pair of stoppage victories and continued to dominate his competition as he rose up the rankings. The 28-year-old returned in 2024 with four U.S. fights, including a stoppage of the veteran contender Alejandro Barrera in June and a TKO over the previously unbeaten Bryce Henry in October. Hernandez added three more victories in 2025, including a shutout unanimous decision over top contender Kyrone Davis on Prime Video last May.
“I’m extremely grateful for another opportunity to showcase my talents,” said Hernandez. “But let’s be real, not everyone has the heart to step in there with me. Respect to the one who will on March 28. I’m locked in, staying sharp and I’m coming to make a statement. No shortcuts, no excuses, just pressure. Stay tuned.”
A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, Gausha (24-5-1, 12 KOs) was born in Cleveland, Ohio but now fights out of Encino, California and is trained by the renowned Manny Robles. Gausha bounced back from an unsuccessful title challenge of WBC Middleweight World Champion Carlos Adames in 2024 to drop Elijah Garcia in their 2025 showdown, eventually coming up on the short end of a narrow split decision. Prior to facing Adames, Gausha had won back-to-back bouts as he knocked out Brandyn Lynch in March 2023 before winning a decision over KeAndrae Leatherwood in September of that year. 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 World Champion Erislandy Lara, former world champion Tim Tszyu and top contender Erickson Lubin.
“I’m a true professional who’s always training, because boxing is what I do,” said Gausha. “I’ve seen Yoenli fight and he’s a young, strong, skilled fighter. If you’ve watched my fights in the past, you’ll know that’s what I like. I want to test myself against the best. Beating him will get me close to my goal of becoming world champion. That’s what I’m here for.”
**ELIJAH GARCIA VS. KEVIN NEWMAN II**
Opening up the pay-per-view, 22-year-old rising star Elijah Garcia will make his debut at the full super middleweight limit as he takes on streaking battle-test veteran Kevin Newman II, who enters this 10-round fight on a seven-bout winning streak.
Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona, García (17-1, 13 KOs) most recently rose from the canvas to take home a split-decision against Terrell Gausha last March, getting back in the win column after coming up short on the cards against Kyrone Davis in June 2024. Garcia had previously burst onto the scene as a teenager by earning three impressive victories in 2023. He kicked off that memorable campaign in March with a knockout of the previously unbeaten Amilcar Vidal and followed that up with a pair of performances on the undercards of two of the biggest events of the year. He first defeated Kevin Salgado on the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia pay-per-view in April before knocking out current super middleweight champion Armando Resendiz on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo pay-per-view in September.
“I’m excited to kick off this pay-per-view on March 28,” said Garcia. “I’m working hard and can’t wait to show everything we’ve been working on in camp. This is a big opportunity to make a statement at super middleweight and I’m gonna make the most of it.”
Originally from Los Angeles and now fighting out of Las Vegas, Newman (18-3-1, 11 KOs) has put together seven consecutive victories dating back to 2021. This run includes two 2025 triumphs that saw him beat Alan Campa by unanimous decision last March before most recently defeating Malcolm Jones by seventh-round stoppage last July. The 34-year-old put together this run after a pair of close decision defeats to Genc Plllana and Manuel Gallegos. Newman’s first blemish came via a decision loss to Marcos Hernandez, which he later avenged in near shutout fashion. Newman turned pro in 2014, reeling off seven-straight wins after a split-draw in his pro debut.
“I want to thank everyone who made this opportunity possible,” said Newman. “I’m looking forward to getting into the ring on March 28 and showcasing my skills. I’m coming to put on a dominant performance from start to finish.”
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA VS. KEITH THURMAN LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
LOS ANGELES – February 4, 2026 – WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman went face to face at a press conference in Los Angeles Wednesday before they headline a PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video taking place Saturday, March 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Fundora and Thurman were originally scheduled to meet last October, before Fundora suffered a hand contusion in sparring. With Fundora back in action, this matchup will deliver a fascinating clash of styles and an elite level crossroads duel. During the press conference, Thurman implored fans to “watch what happens when I hit this man’s chin, he’s gonna do a pretty little dance,” while the always-stoic Fundora promised to do his talking in the ring.
***Pre-Sale Tickets are available NOW until 10 p.m. PT throughAXS.comwith code: PBC. Public on-sale begins TOMORROW, Thursday, February 5 at 10 a.m. PT through AXS.com.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Avalon Hollywood:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“We had this fight scheduled for October before the hand injury, but we’re healthy and ready to do it now. We’re gonna go in there and do what we always do. I’m gonna retain this title and remain world champion.
“We’re feeling great. This is a fight that people wanted to see and we’re happy to provide. The injury was just one of those things that happen. We just had to wait for it to heal.
“The more time to prepare the better. We’re ready to go and deliver a great night for the Fundora team on March 28.
“Right now it’s all just talk. He’s an experienced fighter, and anything can happen in boxing, but we train to be prepared for anything. When you do that, things will come out your way.
“A win would be another great highlight of my career. It would show that we’re moving in the right direction and taking the right steps.
“We live and we learn from our mistakes. We’ll be there on March 28 to show you what we’re all about.
“I think everybody underestimates me. That’s part of the game. Whatever they say, you just have to go out there and show everyone what you’re made of.
“This is my third time fighting at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and this time we’re headlining and I’m really grateful for the opportunity. I have to take advantage of it.”
KEITH THURMAN
“I already see the mistakes that he’s unfortunately gonna be making on March 28. Boxing isn’t about the talk though, it’s about delivering in the ring. Fundora is a man of few words, but many punches. And because of that, you can guarantee that this pay-per-view is a can’t-miss.
“Beating me would be the greatest accomplishment of your career Fundora, don’t lie to yourself…You have been hit and not gotten off the canvas. I’m happy to make you experience it again.
“I’m looking forward to boxing hard and putting on a great performance to get that belt right there.
“To me, the real great champions are the type of champions who stumble, only to rise up again. That’s what I’m trying to do right here right now.
“I’m already a stamped Hall of Famer for what I accomplished at welterweight. But what I love about this fight is that there are only so many fighters from my generation who are still here today. There is a plethora of young fighters that have taken over, including Sebastian Fundora. I believe in my skills and my talent. Say I’m the gatekeeper, but I’m the final boss.
“Sparring is gonna be really solid for this fight. I was starting to get used to the height and reach discrepancy last camp and now I’m just activating that muscle memory for this camp. This was my first time sparring guys that tall, so having this extra time makes me feel more confident.
“My original coach Ben Getty used to say: ‘you do your homework, you pass the test.’ Now that we’ve had more time to study, I plan on passing with flying colors.
“I’m so grateful to be back in the ring. I wanted this dream to come true last year, but sometimes patience is a virtue. We’ve got one thing on our mind this whole camp, and that’s timber!”
WBC SUPER WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION SEBASTIAN FUNDORA BATTLES FORMER UNIFIED CHAMPION KEITH THURMAN IN HIGH-STAKES PBC PAY-PER-VIEW ON PRIME VIDEO MAIN EVENT SATURDAY, MARCH 28
LAS VEGAS – February 4, 2026 – WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will return to the ring looking to continue his 154-pound reign against the former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in an explosive clash that headlines a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, March 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Fundora and Thurman were originally scheduled to meet last October, before Fundora suffered a hand contusion in sparring. With Fundora back in action, this matchup will deliver a fascinating clash of styles and an elite level crossroads duel. Fundora will look to continue to cement his place atop the loaded 154-pound division against his most accomplished foe to date, while Thurman can boost his potential Hall of Fame credentials by reaching the top of a second weight class.
***Pre-Sale Tickets are available NOW until 10 p.m. PT throughAXS.comwith code: PBC. Public on-sale begins TOMORROW, Thursday, February 5 at 10 a.m. PT through AXS.com.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
“Sebastian Fundora is can’t-miss action every time he steps into the ring, and he’s highly-motivated to put on a show yet again against one of this era’s premier champions in Keith Thurman,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Fundora and Thurman have been gearing up to square off for months and will finally go toe-to-toe on March 28 in Las Vegas headlining this PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video, with the winner in pole position to claim the throne as the super welterweight king. Fundora’s non-stop pressure against Thurman’s heavy hands and skills are perfect ingredients for tense drama right from the opening bell.”
“Sebastian is 100% ready to return to the ring,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “This is a tough fight and Sebastian doesn’t underestimate any opponent, especially not a great former champion like Keith Thurman. I’m looking forward to Sebastian putting on another exciting performance to further establish himself as the best super welterweight in the world today.”
**SEBASTIAN FUNDORA VS. KEITH THURMAN**
The main event will see Sebastian “The Towering Inferno”Fundora making the third defense of his WBC crown against the former unified welterweight world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in a 12-round duel for super welterweight supremacy.
Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs) first rocketed to the top of the super welterweight division by dethroning Tim Tszyu via decision in 2024’s bloodiest fight, earning both the WBC and WBO titles. After defending his belts with a knockout of Chordale Booker in March of last year, Fundora put his WBC belt back on the line in a July rematch against Tszyu. This time, Fundora closed the show in style, dropping Tszyu in the first round before forcing an end to the bout after round seven. A native of Coachella, California, Fundora notably showed his mettle in April 2022, battling the hard-hitting Erickson Lubin in an instant 2022 Fight of the Year contender. Despite both men hitting the canvas, Fundora stood tall in the end, prompting Lubin’s corner to stop the fight at the end of the ninth round. The 28-year-old has defeated a slew of contenders throughout his career, with his only defeat coming to Brian Mendoza in 2023. Standing nearly six-feet, six-inches, Fundora represents one of boxing’s most accomplished families, as he is trained by his father Freddy alongside his younger sister, undisputed flyweight world champion Gabriela. The two fighting Fundora’s are the first brother and sister to simultaneously hold world championships.
“Camp is going great,” said Fundora. “Saturday, March 28 is going to be an exciting night for boxing fans with Sebastian ‘The Towering Inferno’ Fundora taking over Las Vegas once again.”
Clearwater, Florida’s Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs) has assembled one of the most impressive resumes among the top welterweights of this generation, having defeated former champions Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia and Robert Guerrero in high-profile clashes, unifying the WBA and WBC titles against Garcia in a rare unification bout between undefeated welterweight world champions. Thurman’s only blemish came in a 2019 Fight of the Year against boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, with Thurman ending up on the wrong side of a narrow split-decision. Thurman bounced back against the now reigning WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario Barrios by winning a unanimous decision in February 2022. He was set to face Australian superstar Tim Tszyu in March 2024 before being forced to withdraw due to injury, eventually returning to the ring last March with a third-round stoppage of Brock Jarvis.
“I picked up my first pair of gloves 30 years ago, and somehow I’m still hungry for more,” said Thurman. “On March 28 I have the opportunity to become world champion again and write my comeback story. I may be up against ‘The Towering Inferno’, but every cell in my body knows he’s not on my level. What I plan to do will be historical. This is a classic matchup of old school vs. new school, and it’s one fight fans don’t want to miss. I’m ready to rumble!”
TOP CONTENDER FRANK MARTIN RETURNS AGAINST TWO-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION RANCES BARTHELEMY HEADLINING THREE-FIGHT PBC ON PRIME VIDEO LINEUP SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
LAS VEGAS – October 7, 2025 – Top contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin will return to the ring as he takes on former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy in a 10-round super lightweight showdown that tops a loaded three-fight PBC on Prime Video lineup on Saturday, October 25 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and leading up to the PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video headlined by WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora against former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman.
The streaming presentation will also feature undefeated teenage sensation Kaipo Gallegos facing the hard-hitting Nike Theran in a 10-round lightweight matchup, plus rising unbeaten super featherweight Luis “The Twist” Nunez duels Argentinian Contender Hector Sosa in the 10-round opening about at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.
These fights lead into the four-fight pay-per-view beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT, which features two-division world champion Stephen Fulton Jr., the reigning WBC Featherweight World Champion, moving up to take on WBC Super Featherweight World Champion O’Shaquie Foster in the 130-pound world title fight co-main event.
The pay-per-view lineup also features rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. in a high-stakes duel against top contender Shane Mosley Jr. for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title, and undefeated young Mexican star Isaac “La Bestia” Lucero battling hard-hitting Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in an all-Mexican 154-pound showdown
Tickets for the live event are available now through AXS.com.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
**FRANK MARTIN VS. RANCES BARTHELEMY**
After a strong run at 135-pounds that established himself as one of the slickest fighters in the sport, Frank “The Ghost” Martin will look to begin a run in the stacked super lightweight division as he faces Cuba’s former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy in a 10-round attraction.
Prior to the Davis fight, the 30-year-old Martin (18-1, 12 KOs) had most recently shown that his power can last through a 12-round fight as he dropped the previously unbeaten Artem Harutyunyan in the final frame to clinch a unanimous decision victory in July 2023. His previous outing saw him stamp his status as one of the elite 135-pounders in the sport as he dropped and dominated the then-unbeaten Michel Rivera on his way to a unanimous decision in December 2022. Martin’s initial ascent at 135-pounds saw him begin by stopping then unbeaten Jerry Perez in April 2021 before dispatching of tough contenders Jackson Marinez, Romero Duno and Ryan Kielczweski.
“I’m excited to be back after people tried to bash me for taking one loss,” said Martin. “I took it as a lesson learned and I’m back mentally and physically at the top of my game. Rances is gonna have to deal with everything I went through, and he’s gonna feel it on every punch. I’m back and I’m pissed off and dangerous.”
A native of Havana, Cuba now fighting out of Las Vegas, Barthelemy (30-3-1, 15 KOs) steps back into action after dropping a decision to former unified champion Jose Carlos Ramirez in April 2024. His previous two outings saw him best contender Omar Juarez in May 2023 after a July 2022 defeat to Gary Antuanne Russell in which many believed the referee waived off the fight prematurely. A world champion at 130 and 135 pounds, Barthelemy owns notable victories over Argenis Mendez, Antonio DeMarco, Mickey Bey and Denis Shafikov. His only other professional loss came in a 2018 140-pound championship rematch against Kiryl Relikh. Barthelemy comes from a fighting family, as he is the middle brother between the younger Leduan and the older Yan, who won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics.
“October 25 is the night I remind everyone who Rances Barthelemy is,” said Barthelemy. “Frank Martin is a talented fighter, but I’ve been in deep waters before, and experience counts when the lights are brightest. I’m coming with new hunger, sharper focus, and the fire of a man chasing one more world title run. Fans tuning in are going to see me determined to leave everything in the ring. I’m not here to survive, I’m here to dominate and make sure my name is back on everyone’s radar.”
**KAIPO GALLEGOS VS. NIKE THERAN**
At just 19-years-old, undefeated lightweight prospect Kaipo Gallegos will square off against a veteran power-puncher in Nike Theran for a 10-round battle as Gallegos looks to shine on a big stage and elevate his status as one of boxing’s top prospects.
Fighting out of his native Las Vegas, Gallegos (10-0-1, 8 KOs) has already earned three victories in 2025, including a stoppage of the previously unbeaten Pedro Castaneda Castro in May. Most recently, Gallegos earned a second-round TKO over Alberto Mercado on September 19. Stepping into the ring as a pro in Las Vegas for the third time on October 25, Gallegos has compiled his unbeaten record following a strong amateur career that included runs to the finals of the 2022 and 2021 U.S. National Championships.
“Fighting in my hometown of Las Vegas on October 25 — under those bright lights and in front of my people — that’s what I’ve been thinking about since this fight got signed,” said Gallegos. “Nike Theran is a tough opponent, and I’m taking this fight very seriously. This isn’t just another fight — it’s my moment to show the world who Kaipo Gallegos really is. Expect speed, power, and a little Vegas flair — because when that bell rings, I’m not leaving it to the judges. I’m here to put on a show and keep my undefeated record intact.”
The 28-year-old Theran enters the ring having won his last two outings with his last triumph coming via a June stoppage of Diomedez Ramirez. Representing the boxing-rich Barranquilla, Colombia, Theran was unbeaten in his first 18 pro fights dating back to 2016, including a second round TKO over Osvaldo Cabrera Santana that earned him a WBC Latino title. His only blemish came via a narrow decision loss as he traveled to Michael Magnesi’s home country of Italy before losing on the cards.
“I can’t wait to step into the ring on October 25,” said Theran. “I only have one thing on my mind, doing whatever it takes to get my hand raised. If he underestimates me, then I’m gonna be ready to take full advantage.”
**LUIS NUNEZ VS. HECTOR SOSA**
Looking to become the next Dominican world champion in boxing, Luis “The Twist” Nunez continues to up his competition as he takes on the upset-minded Argentine Hector Sosa in a 10-round super featherweight duel.
A rising contender at 130-pounds, Nunez (21-0, 14 KOs) can take another step closer to a world title with a victory on October 25. Originally from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and now being guided by top trainer Bob Santos in Las Vegas, Nunez kicked off his 2025 campaign in June as he dispatched of Daniel Ramirez in the fourth-round. The 25-year-old had previously shown his bona fides with an impressive run that saw him best four previously undefeated fighters in a stretch of five outings. He followed up that run in December 2024 by earning a dominant 10-round unanimous decision over veteran contender Leonardo Baez ahead of the Ramirez fight.
“I’m excited to be fighting a tough Argentinian at the MGM on a Sebastian Fundora undercard,” said Nunez. “It’s a blessing that this fight will be on Prime Video, because I’ve been working so hard with my trainer Bob Santos and I know that I’ll be ending the night in spectacular fashion. I’m going for fight of the night, so make sure you tune in early!”
The 29-year-old Sosa (18-3, 9 KOs) is no stranger to springing upsets on unsuspecting foes as he showed his power carry into the later rounds when he knocked out top U.K. fighter James Dickens in July 2023. Overall, Sosa has won four of his last five bouts, including most recently earning a unanimous decision over Liborio Solis in May. The Buenos Aires, Argentina native has previously fought stateside three times, including a 12-round decision over Keenan Carbajal in June 2024.
“I love to be the underdog because it makes it even sweeter when they announce me as the winner,” said Sosa. “I’ve been training hard and I’ll be ready to give Nunez everything he can handle. Don’t miss this fight, because I’m coming to show what Argentinian fighters are made of!”
# # #
ABOUT FUNDORA VS. THURMAN
Fundora vs. Thurman will see WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora look to continue his 154-pound reign against the former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video taking place Saturday, October 25 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
In the co-main event, two-division world champion Stephen Fulton Jr., the reigning WBC Featherweight World Champion, will move up to take on WBC Super Featherweight World Champion O’Shaquie Foster in a 130-pound world title fight.
The lineup also features rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. in a high-stakes duel against top contender Shane Mosley Jr. for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title.
The jam-packed four-fight card begins at the fan-friendly time of 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features undefeated young Mexican star Isaac “La Bestia” Lucero facing -hitting Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in an all-Mexican 154-pound showdown.
Tickets for the live event are available now through AXS.com.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian Fundora suffered a hand contusion in sparring and his title defense against former unified champion Keith Thurman, which was scheduled for October 25, has been postponed.
Details on a new date for the bout will be forthcoming soon.
Ticketholders for the event will receive full refunds at their original point of purchase
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA: “WHETHER IT’S MY HEIGHT OR MY STRENGTH, WE WANT THE OPPONENT TO FEEL LIKE IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO WIN.”
COACHELLA, CA. – September 17, 2025 – WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will look to make another huge statement in the loaded 154-pound division when he takes on former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video taking place Saturday, October 25 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Coming into the ring after a dominant victory in his rematch against former world champion Tim Tszyu in July, Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs) shared the aggressive mindset that he and his team put into place after winning by decision in their first contest.
“It was demolition,” said Fundora, who’s trained by his father, leading Trainer of the Year candidate Freddy Fundora. “We wanted to follow through and get him out of there. We wanted him to feel defeated before the fight ended and show that nothing he could do could hurt us. He said after the fight that he felt like he was shadowboxing and that’s what we plan to make every fighter feel like. Whether it’s my height or strength, we want the opponent to feel like it’s impossible to win.”
Fundora added that in addition to he and his father’s confidence leading into the fight, his sister, undisputed flyweight world champion Gabriela, believed that the stoppage was coming.
“We expected to hurt him,” said Fundora, who dropped Tszyu in the first round. “I know what I can do and my dad does as well. Even my sister, she was talking a lot more than me about what we expected. It was a surprise to everyone else, but it wasn’t a surprise to us. Right after the first Tszyu fight ended, I felt like we could have done a lot more. So we went back to the gym and trained for a long time to show everyone that I can get that guy out of there.”
As he heads into this next matchup, Fundora has been in training alongside his sister ahead of her undisputed title defense this weekend. With both of the historic Fundora siblings fighting in close calendar proximity, Sebastian has used the opportunity to pick up things from his sister’s training sessions.
“Training together absolutely makes us both better,” said Fundora, who along with Gabriela make up the only brother and sister duo in boxing history to hold simultaneous world titles. “Watching her spar and watching her train, especially since she’s a southpaw as well, it helps me pick up little tricks and strategies and put them into my training and my work. She’s gonna do her thing and defend her crown and then I’ll be right after to defend my title.”
The 27-year-old Fundora will take on the most accomplished opponent of his career in the former unified welterweight world champion Thurman, a fighter who was competing on the sport’s biggest stage while Fundora was still coming up.
“I grew up watching Thurman,” said Fundora. “A lot of his bigger fights we watched all the time. I’ve always thought he’s a great fighter. I can’t say I expected to one day fight Thurman, but I knew it was possible because I always want the toughest fights and now we’re here.”
With back-to-back stoppage victories, Fundora reiterated that he’ll be looking to make it three straight on October 25. Although him and Thurman have inverse personalities outside of the ring, Fundora believes that they share a similar thirst for action inside the squared circle.
“This is gonna be a crazy night,” said Fundora. “It’s a huge fight with two guys who like to bang. Expect fireworks. I feel like this fight sells itself. Thurman is the big talker and I’m the quiet guy, but we both like to throw. It’s gonna be a great night for boxing.
“We’re going for the knockout, but I just need to get the win however it comes. A win over Thurman solidifies us being the best in the division even more.”
# # #
ABOUT FUNDORA VS. THURMAN
Fundora vs. Thurman will see WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora look to continue his 154-pound reign against the former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video taking place Saturday, October 25 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
In the co-main event, two-division world champion Stephen Fulton Jr., the reigning WBC Featherweight World Champion, will move up to take on WBC Super Featherweight World Champion O’Shaquie Foster in a 130-pound world title fight.
The lineup also features rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. in a high-stakes duel against top contender Shane Mosley Jr. for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title.
The jam-packed four-fight card begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features undefeated young Mexican star Isaac “La Bestia” Lucero facing -hitting Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in an all-Mexican 154-pound showdown.
Tickets for the live event are available now through AXS.com.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
UNDEFEATED YOUNG MEXICAN STAR ISAAC LUCERO DUELS HARD-HITTING ROBERTO VALENZUELA JR. IN ALL-MEXICAN SHOWDOWN KICKING OFF PBC PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT ON PRIME VIDEO SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
LAS VEGAS – September 15, 2025 – Undefeated young Mexican star Isaac “La Bestia” Lucero will take on hard-hitting Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in an all-Mexican 154-pound showdown that kicks of PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video action taking place Saturday, October 25 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The jam-packed four-fight card begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is topped by WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora looking to continue his 154-pound reign against the former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman, who hopes to bolster his Hall of Fame credentials with another signature victory in the main event.
In the co-main event, two-division world champion Stephen Fulton Jr., the reigning WBC Featherweight World Champion, will move up to take on WBC Super Featherweight World Champion O’Shaquie Foster in a 130-pound world title fight.
The lineup also features rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. in a high-stakes duel against top contender Shane Mosley Jr. for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title.
Tickets for the live event are available now through AXS.com.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
**ISAAC LUCERO VS. ROBERTO VALENZUELA JR.**
Fresh off of a dominant KO win on Prime Video in May, undefeated rising contender Isaac “La Bestia” Lucero will look to continue his momentum as he steps in against battle-tested knockout artist Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in a 10-round super welterweight contest that opens up the four-fight pay-per-view.
The 26-year-old Lucero (17-0, 13 KOs) turned pro in 2019 after an amateur career that saw him earn five national medals representing Mexico. A native of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Lucero has stopped his last six opponents entering October 25, and also owns a pair of 10-round unanimous decision triumphs. In looking to make his U.S. takeover, Lucero has set up camp in Las Vegas, where he is trained by renowned coach Bob Santos, who led him to victory in May as he stopped the previously undefeated Omar Valenzuela in two rounds.
“Roberto Valenzuela Jr. is a tough veteran who’s faced some of the division’s best and he’s coming into the ring on a winning streak, but this is my time and I’m gonna show why on October 25,” said Lucero. “I’ve very grateful to my team for this opportunity. My trainer Bob Santos will have me ready to showcase my skills and put on a great show when the bell rings.”
Representing his native Sonora, Mexico, Valenzuela (31-5, 29 KOs) steps into the ring on October 25 riding a five-fight winning streak, with all of those wins coming by stoppage. The 26-year-old’s most recent triumph saw him knock out veteran contender Juan Jose Velasco in the sixth-round in February. Valenzuela has experience against two reigning 154-pound champions, having challenged Xander Zayas in 2023 and Bakhram Murtazaliev in 2022. In total, Valenzuela’s five defeats have come to fighters who entered the ring with a combined record of 79-2.
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity,” said Valenzuela. “My opponent is a very strong and skilled boxer, but I’m 100% ready to leave Las Vegas victorious. With both of our styles, I’m sure that we’re going to give the fans a fight that all of Mexico and the rest of the world will be talking about for many years.”
VIDEO: Fundora vs. Thurman LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA VS. KEITH THURMAN LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
LOS ANGELES – September 3, 2025 – WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman went face-to-face for first time Wednesday at a press conference in Los Angeles before they headline a PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video taking place Saturday, October 25 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The press conference also featured, two-division world champion Stephen Fulton Jr., the reigning WBC Featherweight World Champion, and WBC Super Featherweight World Champion O’Shaquie Foster, who meetin a 130-pound world title fight in the co-main event.
Also in attendance Wednesday were rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr., who duels top contender Shane Mosley Jr. for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title.
The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with Mexico’s unbeaten rising super welterweight Isaac “La Bestia” Lucero against an opponent to be determined.
Pre-sale tickets are available NOW until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.comwith the code: PBC
Public on-sale begins TOMORROW, Thursday, September 4 at 10 a.m. PT through AXS.com.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing. Fulton vs. Foster is promoted in association with Top Rank.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from The Mayan in Los Angeles:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“Keith was one of the pound-for-pound best, but it’s time for a new champion and I believe I can be the face of this sport. I can’t wait for fight night and we’ll see you in the ring on October 25.
“I do believe I’m the best at 154 right now. I’m focused on continuing this reign and doing what I’ve been doing.
“A win would continue to show that I’m doing the right thing. We’ve come so far headlining a pay-per-view as the ‘A-side’ and it shows how blessed I am. I’m gonna keep doing my job and keep winning.
“The fans want to see their favorite fighters fight. I’m glad that I’m in the ring constantly and I’m grateful for the opportunities.
“While I was coming up I was taking tough fights and learning on the job. Now at this level, everyone you fight is tough. But we learned on the way and it’s got me prepared for this moment.
“This is gonna be a great fight. I’m happy that I have an opponent like Thurman who comes to bang and is ready to make it an exciting night.
“In boxing, anything can happen. But we train very hard to win and that’s the only thing we plan on doing on October 25.”
KEITH THURMAN
“This is what the sport is all about. You put Thurman’s name next to anybody and I guarantee you it’s gonna be a fight you won’t wanna miss.
“I’m about to conquer Mount Everest himself. They call him ‘The Towering Inferno’, but I’ve been in the fire. This is what I live for right here. This is the top of the sport.
“Once I get the WBC title, people won’t have a reason to say no to a Keith Thurman fight. I’ve been waiting through the setbacks. With the truly great champions, you can’t stop them from becoming champion once again.
“This is gonna be an action packed fight with all these fighters, but I guarantee that the main event is gonna be a don’t blink battle of champions.
“I had to stay on the sidelines over the summer to make this happen. This is a beautiful opportunity to step up. You have to see it to believe it, and I truly believe it’s gonna be timber on October 25.
“Everything that’s happened in the past is water under the bridge. All you can do today is put your best foot forward. I’ve been through so much throughout my career. But here I am right here right now, back where I belong.
“Last year I was down the street at a press conference to fight Tim Tszyu, and Fundora was on the stage. You all know the story of what happened next. He elevated himself to this status and he’s earned what he has today.
“I guess you can call me the ‘OG’ or whatever you want. But I’m here today because of the love I have in my heart for boxing. I love making people love boxing. That’s what it’s all about. That’s what big fights are all about.
STEPHEN FULTON JR.
“I’m not really focused on the title of becoming a three-division champion. I’m motivated by fighting other champions. That’s why I moved up in weight. But it will feel great to accomplish my goals.
“I’m a big boy and I feel good at the weight. I feel really good. I’m a dog. I don’t care how big people are. I’ve fought the biggest and strongest.
“We’re back October 25. I’m thankful to everyone who put this fight together and I’ll see you in the ring.
“I’m a three-division world champion on October 25. I don’t have to say much. That’s my end goal and I’m gonna accomplish it.
“He’s saying everything he’s supposed to say right now. I understand where he’s at. It’s what I expected.
“I don’t really care what people or other fighters have to say. Sometimes I feel like they’re just speaking from nerves.
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m not about the back and forth. It’s just nerves from him. I don’t get phased by size or what people say. My experience talks and my heart talks. I don’t have to put on a façade.
O’SHAQUIE FOSTER
“October 25 is gonna be a great night. I’m coming to put on a dominant show. I know my opponent is gonna be ready, but we’re gonna be sending him back down. Trust me.
“It’s gonna be domination. I’m gonna put on a show and I’m gonna look good doing it.
“You’re going back down and you’re gonna defend that title. I’m gonna show everyone who’s doubting me. I’m gonna show y’all. I’m gonna talk and I’m gonna show you.
“For me this is the biggest moment of my career. It’s the first time on pay-per-view and I’m against my most accomplished opponent.
“All I have to do is go make a statement against him and put on a show. Once I show everyone what I’m really about, there won’t be any questions about me.
“He’s coming from 122-pounds if we’re being real. He’s just walking around heavy. I think it’s gonna play a factor but it’s my skills that are gonna pay the bills.”
JESUS RAMOS JR.
“I’ve had an active year and I’m excited to get another one in before the year ends. Mosley’s gonna have to show up to fight night, and I’ll handle the rest.
“Mosley has some good momentum coming into his fight and he’s beaten good names. He can be the perfect fighter if you allow him to be. He’s very technical, but we’re gonna make him uncomfortable and try to get him out of there.
“I feel like I can bring new energy to the middleweight division and be the face of the division. It all starts on October 25.
“Being on big cards and having experienced all of that gives me a different confidence. I’m excited to showcase my talent on a big card with so much talent on it.
“I’m coming to knock Mosley out. That’s the mindset. I’m gonna try every round to inflict more damage than the previous round. We’re gonna break him down.
“Middleweight will be a good weight class for me. I think the extra six pounds will be to my benefit. The power has translated so far and I think it’ll be more of the same on October 25.”
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
“We are all pumped up for this card. The 154-pound division is the hottest in boxing today. There’s some great fights in the division scheduled for the next few months, but we’ve got the number one fighter in the division in Sebastian Fundora headlining this card. This fight against Thurman is the best and biggest in the division. Fundora gives fans exactly what they want in every fight. He’s just pure brutality, and he’s still getting better.
“It’s also great to have Keith Thurman back headlining a major event. He’s battle tested at the highest level. His run at welterweight unifying the titles was tremendous and now he’s back and healthy and ready to take his shot at becoming a two-division world champion.
“I’m thrilled to have Stephen Fulton Jr. back here moving up to challenge O’Shaquie Foster for his 130 pound title in the co-main event. Foster just won the title and he’s not looking to give it up.
“Plus we also have Jesus Ramos Jr. taking on Shane Mosley Jr., and Ramos is another all-action fighter looking for a title. This is going to be a great event and we’ll see everyone out there at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.”
WBC SUPER WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION SEBASTIAN FUNDORA BATTLES FORMER UNIFIED CHAMPION KEITH THURMAN IN EXPLOSIVE PBC PAY-PER-VIEW ON PRIME VIDEO MAIN EVENT SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
LAS VEGAS – September 3, 2025 – WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will look to continue his 154-pound reign against the former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman as the explosive clash headlines a stacked PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, October 25 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Fundora vs. Thurman presents a fascinating style clash and an elite level crossroads duel between the surging Fundora and the veteran Thurman. Having recently closed out his rivalry against Tim Tszyu in style with a stoppage in July, Fundora can continue to cement his place atop the loaded 154-pound division against his most accomplished foe to date. For Thurman, October 25 offers a shot at becoming a two-division champion and the consensus no.1 fighter at a second weight class, a certain boost to Thurman’s potential Hall of Fame credentials.
In the co-main event, two-division world champion Stephen Fulton Jr., the reigning WBC Featherweight World Champion, will move up to take on WBC Super Featherweight World Champion O’Shaquie Foster in a 130-pound world title fight.
The jam-packed lineup continues with rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. in a high-stakes duel against top contender Shane Mosley Jr. for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title, plus exciting unbeaten super welterweight Isaac “La Bestia” Lucero opens the pay-per-view at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT against an opponent to be determined.
Pre-sale tickets are available NOW until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.comwith the code: PBC
Public on-sale begins TOMORROW, Thursday, September 4 at 10 a.m. PT through AXS.com.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
“Saturday, October 25 promises plenty of drama and excitement with the return of Sebastian Fundora in yet another marquee matchup as he takes on one of this era’s most accomplished fighters in Keith “One Time” Thurman,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “There’s a ton on the line in this PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video main event as Fundora makes his case for ‘Fighter of the Year’ while Thurman can add a major milestone to his Hall of Fame resume by winning a world title at 154 pounds. Combined with a co-main event that pits two more world champions in Stephen Fulton Jr. and O’Shaquie Foster against each other, an electric Jesus Ramos Jr. vs. Shane Mosley Jr. showdown, plus the promising Isaac Lucero, and this shapes up to be another memorable night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.”
“Keith Thurman is an excellent fighter and a great champion. A victory over him will further cement Sebastian Fundora’s legacy as the world’s best super welterweight,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “
**SEBASTIAN FUNDORA VS. KEITH THURMAN**
The main event will see Sebastian “The Towering Inferno”Fundora look to make the third defense of his WBC crown against the former unified welterweight world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in a 12-round duel for super welterweight supremacy.
Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs) first rocketed to the top of the super welterweight division by dethroning Tim Tszyu via decision in 2024’s bloodiest fight, earning both the WBC and WBO titles. After defending his belts with a knockout of Chordale Booker in March, Fundora put his WBC belt back on the line in a July rematch against Tszyu. This time, Fundora closed the show in style, dropping Tszyu in the first round before forcing an end to the bout after round seven. A native of Coachella, California, Fundora notably showed his mettle in April 2022, battling the hard-hitting Erickson Lubin in an instant 2022 Fight of the Year contender. Despite both men hitting the canvas, Fundora stood tall in the end, prompting Lubin’s corner to stop the fight at the end of the ninth round. The 27-year-old has defeated a slew of contenders throughout his career, with his only defeat coming to Brian Mendoza in 2023. Standing nearly six-feet, six-inches, Fundora represents one of boxing’s most accomplished families, as he is trained by his father Freddy alongside his younger sister, undisputed flyweight world champion Gabriela. The two fighting Fundora’s are the first brother and sister to simultaneously hold world championships.
“I’m excited to be in the ring again for the third time this year versus another former champion,” said Fundora. “Our preparation is on track. Expect a great performance from Fundora.”
Clearwater, Florida’s Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs) has assembled one of the most impressive resumes among the top welterweights of this generation, having defeated former champions Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia and Robert Guerrero in high-profile clashes, unifying the WBA and WBC titles against Garcia in a rare unification bout between undefeated welterweight world champions. Thurman’s only blemish came in a 2019 Fight of the Year against boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, with Thurman ending up on the wrong side of a narrow split-decision. Thurman bounced back against the now reigning WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario Barrios by winning a unanimous decision in February 2022. He was set to face Australian superstar Tim Tszyu in March 2024 before being forced to withdraw due to injury, eventually returning to the ring this March with a third-round stoppage of Brock Jarvis.
“I’m honored to be back and fighting for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship,” said Thurman. “Fundora was never really on my radar, but he’s proven himself to be a tough champion with only one loss, just like me. Every time he steps in the ring he grows, and I know this isn’t an easy fight for anyone in the division, but I didn’t come this far to shy away from Everest, or in this case Mt. Fundora. On October 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, I’m climbing that mountain. This is how history is made. From childhood, I’ve dreamed of overcoming challenges like this. Call it David vs. Goliath, but remember – I’m Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman. I’m walking straight into the fire and it’s going to be a fight you don’t want to miss.”
**STEPHEN FULTON JR. VS. O’SHAQUIE FOSTER**
In the 12-round co-main event, top pound-for-pound fighter Stephen Fulton Jr., who currently holds the WBC Featherweight World Championship, will look to become a three-division champion when he takes on the reigning WBC Super Featherweight World Champion O’Shaquie Foster in a 130-pound grudge match between current world champions. Fulton vs. Foster is promoted in association with Top Rank.
Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Pa., Fulton (23-1, 8 KOs) became a two-division champion in his last outing, vanquishing his longtime rival Brandon Figueroa in their February rematch via decision to capture the WBC Featherweight World Championship. It was Fulton’s second fight since a July 2023 challenge that saw him travel to Japan to take on undefeated Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue, eventually dropping the road contest in round eight. In his previous 14 professional fights before facing Inoue, the 30-year-old had established himself on pound-for-pound lists by beating eight previously undefeated fighters. Fulton first became a world champion by taking the super bantamweight title from Angelo Leo in January 2021, before unifying against Figueroa in their first fight. Trained in his hometown, Fulton has displayed sublime boxing skills that have allowed him to dominate opponents of varying styles and control fights from start to finish.
“I’m ready to become a three-division world champion,” said Fulton. “I expect him to be ready, but that’s why I’m training to be at my best on October 25. We’re gonna be prepared for anything he brings and do whatever it takes to have my hand raised. I’m coming to steal the show!”
Foster (23-3, 12 KOs) bounced back from decision losses in 2015 and 2016 to put together a nine-fight winning streak that earned him a February 2023 showdown against two-division champion Rey Vargas. Foster outboxed the previously unbeaten Vargas on his way to a unanimous decision that earned him the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship. Originally from Orange, Texas and training in nearby Houston, Foster’s first defense of his title saw him score a clutch final round stoppage of Eduardo Hernandez while trailing on two scorecards. After a successful title defense over Abraham Nova, Foster temporarily lost the belt via a controversial split-decision to Robson Conceicao. In his last outing, the 31-year-old reclaimed his title with his own decision triumph over Conceicao.
“The 130-pound division runs through me,” said Foster. “Respect to Stephen Fulton Jr. for stepping up in weight, but he’ll find out real soon that he should have stayed at featherweight. I’ve gone through a lot in this game to become a two-time world champion. I will take full advantage of this opportunity.”
**JESUS RAMOS JR. VS. SHANE MOSLEY JR.**
The pay-per-view lineup also features a matchup between two top contenders with long established resumes as rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. meets the streaking Shane Mosley Jr. for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title.
After coming up on the wrong end of a contested decision against top contender Erickson Lubin in September 2023, Ramos (23-1, 19 KOs) has returned in style with three-straight stoppages. Ramos has already earned two victories in 2024, blasting out the former unified champion Jeison Rosario in the eighth-round of their February matchup before most recently defeating Guido Emmanuel Schramm in round seven in March. A native of Casa Grande, Ariz., Ramos had worked his way up the rankings by defeating a slew of contenders including Brian Mendoza, Javier Molina, Vladimir Hernandez and an emphatic stoppage of the then-unbeaten Joey Spencer. Trained by his father Jesus Sr., and the nephew of veteran contender Abel, the 24-year-old Ramos entered the Lubin fighting having stopped seven of his last 10 opponents.
“I’m excited to be going for my first title against a great fighter in Shane Mosley Jr.,” said Ramos. “This title shot is long overdue and I’m ready to become champion. I still have title aspirations at 154-pounds and several names in that division that I’m hoping to fight, but first I’m fully focused on Shane Mosley Jr. He is on a nice little winning streak and I plan to put it to an end on October 25.”
The son of boxing Hall of Famer Shane Mosley, Mosley Jr.(22-4, 12 KOs) has established his own place in the sport and enters this fight on a five-bout winning streak, including a career-best victory over former two-time middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in July 2024. The 33-year-old Los Angeles area native now trains in Las Vegas and prior to the Jacobs win had scored stoppage victories over D’Mitrius Ballard in June 2023 and Joshua Conley in December of that same year. Mosley fought his way to the final round of the 2018 edition of The Contender series, dropping a decision to Brandon Adams in the finale. Mosley has never been stopped in his four defeats, with three of those losses coming narrowly via either split or majority decision.
“I’m thrilled for this opportunity in front of me on October 25,” said Mosley Jr. “I also want to express my gratitude to the WBC and everyone who helped make this fight happen. This is the biggest fight of my career, and I’ll be fully prepared to give it my all.”
**ISAAC LUCERO**
Fresh off of a dominant KO win on Prime Video in May, undefeated rising contender Isaac “La Bestia” Lucero will look to continue his momentum opening up pay-per-view action.
The 26-year-old Lucero (17-0, 13 KOs) turned pro in 2019 after an amateur career that saw him earn five national medals representing Mexico. A native of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Lucero has stopped his last six opponents entering October 25, and also owns a pair of 10-round unanimous decision triumphs. In looking to make his U.S. takeover, Lucero has set up camp in Las Vegas, where he is trained by renowned coach Bob Santos, who led him to victory in May as he stopped the previously undefeated Omar Valenzuela in two rounds.
But Manny Pacquiao wasn’t, at least not in the eyes of three judges.
The 46-year-old Pacquiao, who seemed to defy middle-age and perhaps the aches-and-pains that come with it Saturday, was left with a controversial majority draw with World Boxing Council welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand.
The controversial scorecards mean Barrios keeps the belt and Pacquiao was denied a chance to make history. The Filipino legend had hoped to become boxing’s second-oldest world champion ever.
“I thought I won,” Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) said.
So did a crowd of 13,107 fans, who chanted the familiar “Manny, Manny” before and after every round. But those chants were supplanted by boos when the cards were announced. Max DeLuca had it 115-113 for Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs). Both Steve Weisfeld and Tim Cheatham had it, 114-114. The Boxing Hour scored 116-112 for Pacquiao.
Pacquiao, his worldwide celebrity still intact, suggested that his quest in the risky ring will continue.
“I need to continue my training for longer going into a championship fight,” Pacquiao said. “Because of the election I started late, but it’s okay. Of course, I’d like a rematch. I want to leave a legacy and make the Filipino people proud.”
Barrios said he would give Pacquiao another opportunity.
“I’ll do the rematch,” Barrios said. “Absolutely. This was huge for boxing. I’d love to do it again.”
Expect the controversy to linger. It looked as if Pacquiao was well on his way beating a man 16 years his junior in a tactical, patient execution of the sweet science. He wasn’t the explosive, Bruce Lee-like figure that once blew away Hall-of-Fame names like a force of nature. This was a former Senator, deliberative and still dangerous enough to be a world champion.
Pacquiao’s familiar footwork, including a stutter-step inside, was there. The punch that followed, however, missed more often than it had when Pacquiao’s power proved to be so lethal against Oscar De La Hoya, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and Ricky Hatton.
All the while, Barrios looked tentative, cautious perhaps because he was looking into the face of a legendary lion, or maybe because he didn’t want to go out like Hatton, who waa lifted so high by a Pacquiao knockout punch that you could see the bottom of Hatton’s shoes from ringside. The years have left some lines on that Filipino face. There’s gray in his facial hair. The punches travel at a slower rate. The explosive dynamic isn’t there anymore.
But the skillset is still solid, tempered by time yet improved by wisdom. Above, he still knows his way around the ring. That has changed. Then again, neither has the judging.
Welcome back, Manny, on a night full of cheers and boos.
Tszyu surrenders, Fundora wins TKO
Blood was expected. There was a trace. In the end, however, there was surrender.
The rematch ended abruptly with Tim Tszyu sitting on his stool after the seventh, perhaps his best round, Saturday night against Sebastian Fundora in front of an astonished crowd awaiting Manny Pacquiao’s comeback against Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand.
This was the same Tszyu who refused to quit after he suffered a gruesome cut at the top of his head in their first fight. Then, it seemed as though nothing could stop him from fighting on. This time, however, he didn’t lose much blood from a cut above his right eye. This time, he lost his will.
“That’s one tough m-effer,” Tszyu said as he pointed at Fundora after the surprising conclusion to a much-anticipated sequel.”And I tried to give everything.”
It was decided that everything was just not enough this time. The fight ended on the advice of his corner. His corner must have looked into his eyes and saw that there was no more blood to spill. Suddenly, they saw a fighter exhausted and unable to continue in a fight that raises doubts about the rest of his career
Tszyu’s challenge, a complicated mix of height and geometry, quickly became apparent. Tzsyu’s only path to victory is to step inside against the 6-foot-6 Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs), who has the wing span of a gigantic praying mantis. In the first round, Tszyu took that perilous first step. Boom, Fundora saw it and threw a counter-right that dropped Tszyu (25-3, 18 KOs) onto the canvas with a thud.
Emboldened, Fundora, still the junior-middleweight champ, took the initiative in the second, moving forward and forcing Tszyu into what looked to be a tentative retreat. Suddenly, blood appeared over Tszyu’s eye. For him, it had to be an uncomfortable reminder of the bloodletting he suffered in their first bout, won by Fundora in a split decision.
In the third and throughout the fourth, however, Tszyu became more surefooted and appeared to regain his aggressiveness. He also got a little quicker with his punches, effectively rocking Fundora with shots that seemed to take some of the edge and precision out his long punches. Tszyu capitalized. He began to circle , a wary predator. He also began to land throughout the fifth and again in the sixth.
In the seventh, the rematch began to settle into a brawl. It began with Tszyu rocking Fundora with a short right. But Fundora also began to re-employ his reach.
“We’ve been working on that all of the time,” said Fundora, who talked as if he wanted to use his incredible reach throughout the rest of the fight.
But Tszyu and his corner had already seen enough of it.
The seventh round was more than the beginning of the end.
It was the end.
Pitbull Cruz wins dominant decision
Omar Salcido was a late stand-in, which is another way of saying he probably doesn;t have a chance.
He didn’t.
Salcido, who replaced Angel Fierro Friday, did a lot of things. He endured. He even took Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz into the 10th and final round. But any chance at a huge upset was never really there. Cruz started slowly and then showed all the aggressiveness defined by his nickname with a bullish assault over the final three rounds of a live-streamed bout on the Pacquiao-Barrios card at the MGM Grand.
In the 10th, Salcido ((20-3, 14 KOs) went to his knees. He was also penalized, losing a point for an apparent attempt at an illegal blow.
In the end, it was more than a shutout on the scorecards. Cruz, an interim junior-welterweight champion, won 100-88 on one cad and 99-89 on the other two
After it was over, Cruz (28-3-1, 18 KOs) had kind words for Salcido, who suddenly became his opponent when Fierro was sent to the hospital after a futile attempt to make weight.
“I have ultimate respect for him taking the fight,” said Cruz, who had only contempt for Fierro, whom he called unprofessional. “He’s a good fighter. We’re both champions.’
Figueroa scores decision over Joet Gonzalez
Brandon Figueroa calls himself The Heartbreaker.
Figueroa did that and more Saturday. The heartbreak was suffered by Joet Gonzalez, who continues an up-and-down ride through a career that is 4-4 over his last eight bouts, including successive losses over his last two.
Figueroa (26-2-1, 19 KOs), a former champion at 122 and 126 pounds, appeared to have a slight advantage in size and strength against the star-crossed Gonzalez (27-5, 15 KOs), a Los Angeles fighter who was game yet just no good enough in a featherweight eliminator on the Pacquiao-Barrios card at the MGM Grand.
Throughout the middle rounds, it often looked as if Gonzalez was fighting Figueroa to a standstill. It looked to be close in the ring, but not on two of the three scorecards. Both favored Figueroa 116-112. The third had it 115-113, also for Figueroa, a Texas fighter still in the hunt for another bel
Gary Russell Jr. scores four knockdowns for stoppage win
Gary Russell Jr., more idle than active, still possessed enough power and poise to dominate, knocking down Hugo Castaneda twice in the second round and again in the sixth enroute to
Castaneda, a lightweight from Mexico, came roaring back in apparent desperation in the fourth, driving the 37-year-old Russell (32-2, 19 KOs) into the ropes. But a sweeping right hook from Russell, an ex-featherweight champion from Washington DC, ,dropped Castaneda in the sixth. Yet, Castaneda (15-3-1, 11 KOs), ever resilient, continued to march forward, all the while throwing a succession of punches.
Yet he could never hurt Russell, or even knock him off balance. In the end, Russell power was decisive, including a fourth knockdown in the 10th, ending the fight at 26 seconds of the round
Nothing artistic, but PIcasso wins majority decision
It wasn’t artistic, but Mexican junior-featherweight David Picasso did enough to win and perhaps keep himself in contention for a possible shot at Naoya Inoue.
Picasso (32-0-1, 18 KOs), who turned down a chance to fight Inoue months ago, struggled throughout a close 10-round fight against Inoue’s fellow Japanese fighter, Kyonosuke Kameda (15-5-2, 9 KOs), who appeared to mock him in the middle rounds. Kameda dropped his hands, stuck out his chin and shook his rear end.
The gestures proved to be an opportunity for Picasso, who applied fundamentals at MGM Grad., many of which scored often enough for him to escape with a 95-95, 97-93, 98-92 majority decision on the Pacquiao-Barios card.
Mark Magsayo wins one-sided decision
He had a little bit more experience. HIs feet were a little bit quicker. His hands were a little bit faster.
Little added up to a lot, allowing Mark Magsayo to score efficiently and repeatedly in a one-sided, yet otherwise uneventful decision over Jorge Mata in a junior-lightweight bout Saturday on the card featuring Manny Pacquiao’s comeback against Mario Barrios.
Magsayo (28-2, 18 KOs), a Filipino who briefly held the World Boxing Council’s featherweight title in 2020. began to take control of the bout in the fourth round when he backed up Mata (41-3-2, 13 KOs) with a body-to-head assault. Still, Mata, of Mexico managed to endure, but never much more than that, losing by a wide margin on all three cards — 100-90, 98-92,100-90.
First Bell: Filipino prospect drops the thunder, wins TKO
It opened with a Filipino beat.
Beat-down
Middleweight prospect Eumir Marcial warmed up the ring for fellow Filipino Manny Pacquiao with a heavy-handed stoppage of Bernard Joseph in a Saturday matinee, hours before Pacquiao would take the stage in his comeback against Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand.
Marcial (6-0, 4 KOs), a 2020 Olympic bronze medalist, dropped Joseph (11-3-1, 5 KOs), of Dorchester MA, in the second and again in the third. A succession of shots in the third thundered throughout the empty arena, ending the bout in a TKO at 1:55 of the round.
PACQUIAO VS. BARRIOS UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
LAS VEGAS – July 16, 2025 – Before they step into the ring on a jam-packed PBC event, undercard fighters went face-to-face at a press conference Thursday to preview their respective showdowns taking place this Saturday, July 19 in a PBC event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The press conference featured WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Australia superstar Tim Tszyu, who will meet in the co-main event of a stacked PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video.
Also competing in pay-per-view action and facing off Thursday were Mexican rivals Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and Angel Fierro, who meet in a 12-round rematch, plus former two-division champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and featherweight contender Joet Gonzalez, who kick off the pay-per-view with a WBA Featherweight Title Eliminator at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
The press conference also included fighters competing on the three-fight PBC on Prime Video lineup that precedes the pay-per-view. The show will see former world champion Gary Russell Jr. take on Hugo Castañeda in the 10-round main event, unbeaten super bantamweight contender David “Rey” Picasso face Japanese contender Kyonosuke Kameda, and former world champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo battle Jorge Mata in the opening attraction at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.
These fights will lead up to the much anticipated showdown between Hall of Famer Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios as it tops a four-fight PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from MGM Grand:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“This is gonna be a great fight. It was so nice we had to do it twice. We’re gonna put on a great show Saturday night.
“Anything can happen in boxing. That first fight was a reminder. I just had to stick to the plan and that’s what I did.
“I feel very confident. I felt confident in the first fight. We had to run this back. Damage is gonna be done.
“He fought the whole fight with the cut. If he had such a big problem with the cut, the corner would have stopped it. That’s just what I think. I can only speak from my perspective. If he’s fighting, he’s fine.
“I prepare the same way I always prepare. I’m here at the top level and I’m a world champion. The strategies we’ve had have been successful. I’m gonna keep doing what we’ve been doing and win.
“We trained hard for this. This is the dream we worked for. We want to continue to be world champion and build a legacy in this sport.
“We have an icon in Manny Pacquiao in the main event to remind us all that we can be that guy. I’m very motivated for this fight and happy to be here in Las Vegas at the best venue for boxing. We’re gonna put on a great show.”
TIM TSZYU
“You dream of these moments as a young kid and to finally be here for this moment is a pleasure of mine.
“We’re gonna put on one hell of a show. He shoulda killed me the first time, because this time it’s gonna be a whole different story.
“With a proper preparation to see what works and doesn’t work, it’ll play a big part in what happens in the ring. I’m going to have a better and more intelligent performance.
“With adversity, my desire to win only grows. The past has made me who I am today and that’s a dangerous fighter willing to take it all. This is a new phase I’m in. I’m smarter, hungrier and more confident.
“This is what we do. We’re both in it to the very end. At the end of the day, we hop in the ring and we risk it all. We’re perfect dance partners and we bring the best out of each other.
“I’ve never been a guy who’s afraid to get hit. Sometimes you have to take a few to leave a few. That’s just the sport.
“When I come into the ring I come in with the mentality that I’ll do anything to win. I was never going to stop that fight. I’m always in there to finish the fight to the very end. I would have hated it if the corner had stopped the first fight.
“The cut distracted me in the first fight. That’s what I was thinking about in the corner and that presents challenges. He said that I could see clearly, but I obviously couldn’t. That’s why we need the rematch. There are questions to be answered and we’ll answer them.”
ISAAC CRUZ
“I want the fans to be the true winners on Saturday. It’s gonna be a great fight and I can’t wait to get into the ring.
“I’ve fought plenty of fighters who like to talk trash before the fight. All I can do is prepare my hardest. My goal is not to trash talk, it’s to win world titles.
“I’ve focused on my preparation. I feel strong and ready to go. I’m not focused on what happened in the first fight.
“I’m always here to provide great fights for the fans. I fight for them. It doesn’t matter who I’m facing. I’m going to give the fans their money’s worth.
“I’m glad he’s coming for war. He’s gonna have to watch out. We’re in for a great fight on Saturday night.”
ANGEL FIERRO
“You saw in February that it was a war and this will be the same thing once again. I’m very thankful to be on this stacked card. It doesn’t get better than this.
“On Saturday, everything that was in doubt in February is gonna get cleared up. I promise you that.
“The judges made their decision. I decided to move forward and clear everything up on Saturday night. I’m gonna leave no doubt and get my hand raised.
“I’m a man of my word. I’m gonna try my best out there. It’s either ‘Pitbull’ or me, only one of us can remain standing. I have to make sure that I’m standing on top.
“We’re two runaway trains without breaks. We’re gonna go out there and brawl. I’ve focused on my training and I’m ready to show what a true Mexican war is all about.
“I have a better strategy this time around. If he thinks I’m gonna run, I say hell no. I’m here to clash and go toe-to-toe.”
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“This is a stacked card on Saturday and I can’t wait to fight alongside these great warriors. I’m coming with everything.
“This training camp has been amazing with Manny Robles. I was away from my family this time because I want to be at the elite level and make sacrifices. I’ll do anything to be the best in the world.
“I’m in the best shape of my life. I had a great connection with Manny Robles and I’m feeling strong and confident. The passion that I have for this sport is immense, and I can’t wait to go out there and dance on Saturday night.
“This sport is very demanding, but I love to be a part of it. I’m living my dreams fighting on the biggest stages. My brother Omar paved the way for me and I’m grateful to keep it going.
“Gonzalez is an aggressive fighter just like me. I’m gonna leave it all out there in the ring. I’m bringing everything.”
JOET GONZALEZ
“I’m very excited for this fight. I’m extremely motivated to give everyone a great fight on Saturday, and most importantly get that win.
“I’m expecting an exciting matchup. I know he’s very hungry to get back on the winning track. I’m expecting the best Brandon there’s ever been. But I’m planning to get that victory.
“I just have to beat him in every aspect. Whether its boxing or toe-to-toe. I just have to beat him in every way possible and get my hand raised.”
GARY RUSSELL JR.
“I had a great camp. This is a 10-round fight and I don’t expect it to go all 10 rounds.
“I’m just excited to be back. I’ve been focused on everyone else for the past few years. Now I have the time to focus on what I want to do, and that’s this fight on Saturday.
“Hopefully everyone will see what you’re accustomed to seeing and that’s boxing excellence at it’s best. I worked hard and trained hard, and may the best man win.
“The Mexican fighters are like our cousins, so it’s a family affair. I’m glad that he took the fight and I take my hat off to him.”
HUGO CASTAÑEDA
“I’m here to warm the ring up for Manny Pacquiao. It’s gonna be an amazing night. I’m here to get the win.
“This is a great opportunity and I know that I’m facing a great champion. But I’m from Mexico, and we’re bad asses.
“I’m ready for war and you’re gonna see what Mexicans from Reynoso are all about.”
DAVID PICASSO
“I’m so happy for this opportunity. We’re going to be ready for Saturday night. I’m prepared to win and go after all of the world titles.
“I’m ready to go the distance, but if the knockout comes earlier, even better.
“I’ve prepared very intensely. I tried to surpass my own limits. Once I step into the ring, I’m going to fight like it’s the last fight of my life. Like it’s for a world title. That’s just what I do.”
KYONOSUKE KAMEDA
“This is gonna be a great fight on Saturday. This is my moment to take. I’m going to steal the show on Saturday and go on to fight for the title.
“I’ve trained really hard with one goal in mind. I want the world title fight. I’m going to beat David Picasso and that’s the only thing I’m focused on. I’m gonna win by first round knockout.”
MARK MAGSAYO
“I’m so excited to be on this undercard for Manny Pacquaio. It’s Philippines vs. Mexico and we’re gonna give the fans a great fight.
“This rivalry means good fights. We’re going to give the fans a show and leave everything in the ring. I’m glad we’re keeping this rivalry going.
“We’re just focused on this fight. This is what we’ve worked for. We’ll worry about the rest later. I just want to give the fans a great fight.”
JORGE MATA
“This is gonna be an amazing fight, you won’t want to miss it. This is a great opportunity and I’ve prepared like never before. The fans will be the true winners on Saturday night.”
# # #
ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. BARRIOS
Pacquiao vs. Barrios will see Hall of Fame boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios square off in the main event of a star-studded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, July 19 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
In the co-main event, WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Australian superstar Tim Tszyu will rematch after engaging in 2024’s bloodiest fight.
The action will also feature Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and his hard-hitting countryman Angel Fierro meeting for a second time in a 12-round super lightweight duel after their action packed February clash, plus former two-division world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and top contender Joet Gonzalez kick off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with a 12-round WBA Featherweight Title Eliminator.
Preceding the pay-per-view, champion Gary Russell Jr. tops a three fight card streaming live on Prime Video, as he steps back into the ring to face Hugo Castañeda in a 10-round lightweight showdown.
The action also includes undefeated top super bantamweight David “Rey” Picasso dueling Japanese contender Kyonosuke Kameda in a 10-round affair, plus Filipino power-puncher and former world champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo battles Mexico’s Jorge Mata in a 10-round super featherweight attraction opening the show at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.
LAS VEGAS – July 10, 2025 – Australian superstar and former world champion Tim Tszyu held a Las Vegas media workout on Thursday ahead of his much anticipated rematch against WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora that serves as the co-main event of a star-studded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, July 19 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Two of the top fighters in the stacked 154-pound division Fundora and Tszyuwill meet in a 12-round rematch after their first fight saw Tszyu suffer a grisly cut in round three from an inadvertent Fundora elbow. The then WBO 154-pound champion Tszyu chose to fight on instead of bow out due to the cut, eventually losing his title, along with the then-vacant WBC belt, to Fundora by a close decision. On July 19, these two rivals look to settle the score and establish who is number one at 154-pounds.
The four-fight pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features Hall of Fame boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao continuing his historic career by challenging WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in the main event.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
Here is what Tszyu had to say Thursday from Split T Boxing Club in Las Vegas:
TIM TSZYU
“This is unfinished business for sure. I wasn’t able to show myself completely the first time, and now I get to rewrite history.
“I feel like the knockout is gonna come. I just have to stay patient. About a year ago I was going too much for it, and you can’t do that in boxing, especially at the top level. When it comes, it comes.
“I can’t wait to get in the ring so that I can punish him. I’ve got a lot to prove. I wouldn’t say there’s bad blood, but I wanna take his head off. This is gonna be a fan-friendly fight.
“It’s hard for anyone to adjust to Fundora’s height. It’s a core advantage that he’s got. But there’s little things we have prepared for it.
“I’m fighting on an iconic stage at MGM Grand. It’s a young kid’s dream to be fighting at this level.
“It’s nice to have a proper preparation to focus on Sebastian Fundora, because he’s a different type of boxer with his physical attributes.
“This is a massive card with Manny coming back to do historic things. This card has everything. It’s a real global boxing stage. It’s gonna be a hell of a show. I really think it’s gonna be the card of the year.
“I think the fact that we know each other and have shared the ring with each other, will make us even better in the rematch. We’ll both make adjustments and we’ll see who makes the correct ones on the night.
“The most important thing at this point in training camp is staying loose. The hard work is nearly finished. I’m feeling nice and sharp and staying relaxed.
“I used to envision future fights a little too much. This time it’s 100% Fundora focused.”
# # #
ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. BARRIOS
Pacquiao vs. Barrios will see Hall of Fame boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios square off in the main event of a star-studded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, July 19 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
In the co-main event, WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Australian superstar Tim Tszyu will rematch after engaging in 2024’s bloodiest fight.
The action will also feature Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and his hard-hitting countryman Angel Fierro meeting for a second time in a 12-round super lightweight duel after their action packed February clash, plus former two-division world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and top contender Joet Gonzalez kick off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with a 10-round featherweight showdown.
Gloves Off: Pacquiao vs Barrios & Fundora vs Tszyu II Debuts Thursday, July 3 on Prime Video
NEW YORK—July 2, 2025— Today, Prime Video announced Gloves Off: Pacquiao vs Barrios & Fundora vs Tszyu II, the latest installment of its compelling, all-access docuseries. Debuting tomorrow (July 3) on Prime Video, this edition dedicates full episodes to both co-main events, exploring the preparation and mindset of all four headliners, ahead of their July 19 PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video card at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Episode one features all-time great Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) and WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) in a 12-round title fight. The newly inducted Hall-of-Famer seeks one more inspiring victory against the talented and surging 29-year-old world champion.
Episode two highlights the highly anticipated rematch between WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian Fundora (22-1-1, 14 KOs) and former champ Tim Tszyu (25-2, 18 KOs). Fundora scored a close victory in their March 2024 encounter, a bruising battle that saw Tszyu dealing with a grisly cut in round three, but electing to fight on. Now one of boxing’s top rivalries at 154 pounds is set to produce a new chapter.
Narrated by Barry Pepper, the series takes fans beyond the ring, blending footage of fighters’ lives, families, and training, as excitement builds for this prime-time showcase in a city famous for career-defining performances.
MANNY PACQUIAO VS. MARIO BARRIOS LOS ANGELES & LAS VEGAS PRESS CONFERENCES QUOTES
LOS ANGELES – June 3, 2025 – Hall of Fame boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios squared off for the second time at a press conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday, following a Las Vegas press conference on Saturday, all to preview their main event showdown taking place Saturday, July 19 headlining a star-studded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The events in Los Angeles and Las Vegas also featured WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Australian superstar Tim Tszyu, who will rematch in the co-main event after engaging in 2024’s bloodiest fight.
The Los Angeles press conference also included Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and his hard-hitting countryman Angel Fierro, who meet for a second time after their action packed February clash, plus former two-division world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and top contender Joet Gonzalez, who kick off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Pre-sale tickets are available NOW until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.comwith the code: PBC
Public on-sale begins TOMORROW, Wednesday, June 4 at 10 a.m. PT through AXS.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say from events Tuesday at The Novo at L.A. Live and Saturday from House of Blues Las Vegas:
MANNY PACQUIAO
“The fire, determination and eagerness to work hard is still there. I’m still enjoying running the mountains. Not every fighter has this feeling. This is a blessing, because I’ve been through so many big fights in my career and I’m still here. I’m back.
“To the boxing fans all over the world, thank you for accepting me again. I hope that on July 19 this fight will entertain everyone. Everyone here is going to work hard in their training camp so that the fans are happy on July 19.
“Barrios is the kind of fighter who gives people good fights. Me and him together in the ring will satisfy the fans and that’s what I want.
“It would mean a lot for me to become world champion again. Manny Pacquiao is always giving surprises to the fans. That’s my passion and it’s really important to me. I want everyone to be happy with this fight.
“My goal is to leave a legacy to the boxing fans. I want to inspire the young generation who are dreaming of becoming a champion.
“July 19 is gonna be a lot of action. There’s a lot of great fights on this card. I know what Barrios is capable of and I know that we can entertain the fans.
“I’ve been able to rest my body and it’s been good for me. Now I’m back and I’m excited to give the fans a great fight. I know that Barrios is training hard to defend his belt. I’m the challenger, so I know I have to go the extra mile and punish myself in training to win the fight. That’s the goal.
“I’ve been boxing for many years, and even the years I wasn’t boxing, I was still thinking about boxing. I even have a boxing gym in my house and was always working out. I really missed boxing.”
MARIO BARRIOS
“I’m here, I’m ready and I’m the champion for a reason. This is a huge fight that could be Fight of the Year. I can’t wait.
“All the other big fights I’ve had have prepared me for a moment like this. I’m defending my title against a legend and I couldn’t be more honored.
“Facing Manny is something I never pictured unfolding, and now it’s here on one of the biggest cards of the year. July 19 is gonna be a night of boxing that you don’t wanna miss.
“It’s a great honor for a legend like Manny to want to come back and fight for my title. This is my biggest fight so far and I’m excited to take it on.
“Come July 19 I’ll be facing a legend across from me. I have nothing but respect for him outside of the ring. But inside the ring, he’s just another man who’s trying to take what’s mine. I’m the champion for a reason and I’m gonna show that.
“I think I can take a lot that I learned from the Gervonta Davis fight into this one. The way he closes distance and works off his speed, and even the size, are all similar. All of my big fights have really prepared me for this moment.
“I’ve been seeing people face off with Manny at press conferences like this since I was a kid. He’s not very serious, except when he’s in the ring. I know he’s gonna bring it when we get in the ring.”
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“I don’t think this fight goes the distance. I’ve been training hard and growing since the first fight. Last year was a great year, but this year is gonna be even better.
“Tim Tszyu is a great fighter and I’m happy to share another 12 rounds with him. I think that I beat him pretty fair last time, and I just have to do it again.
“I always fight aggressive fighters like Tim. This is just more experience for me against that type of fighter.
“We can always improve off our past performances. Nobody fights a perfect fight. We’re going to make some changes that you’re gonna see on fight night.
“I’m very happy to be back against an incredible opponent. Last time we put on a great show, and I’m pretty sure we’re gonna do it again. I’m just ready to show everyone why I’m the best 154-pounder in the world.
“I just have to stick to my game plan. Me and my father had a plan for the first fight, and we’ll have a plan for this one. It’s just about who has a better team, that’s who wins the fight. And I’m sure my team is better.
“I’m continuing to grow and all the stars are lining up for me. We’re growing into our full man strength and fighting on these huge stages. Each step is a mile long, but if I just listen to what my dad says, I’ll be ready.
“I hope Tim’s fully recovered from the cut. I’m hoping it’s a hell of a fight.”
TIM TSZYU
“This is the most important fight for me. It gives me this burning fire. It’s the first rematch of my career and I’m excited to rewrite my mistake.
“It was one hell of a fight the first time. I love to test myself in the heart and prove to myself that I can go forward no matter what. It was a fun fight the first time and could be another Fight of the Year.
“Just over a year ago me and Fundora produced a classic. It was a fight that will be remembered by a lot of people for a very long time. This fight is round 13. It’s a new chapter and a new beginning. Even though things didn’t go my way, I intend to get back to where I started.
“Fundora is a hell of a fighter and the current king of 154. But it’s my turn to reclaim the throne. We’re gonna give the fans a really great treat.
“Me and Fundora, we both like to press and we both bring the action. Fighting against Fundora can’t be technical. You can’t really stay on your distance and take your time with him because he’s so tall. You have to make it a fight and bring the action. Anyone who fights him is in for a hard night at the office.
“I remember feeling him and his shots and sort of figuring him out early in our first fight. The hardest part was that I lost my focus from rounds three to round 10. I wasn’t in the same mindset that I was in the first two rounds. I adapted at the end of the fight, but it was a bit too late. I know what needs to be done this time.
“I want that belt and I want that title. But it’s not only about the belt, it’s about the story and the redemption. We had a hard fight and it’s something that I need to get back. It’s one of those things that I need to rewrite.
“This card is gonna deliver, because we have four tremendous fights and we’re all gonna bring it on July 19.”
ISAAC CRUZ
“We’re going to put on a show once again. Come out to see me once again get the victory. I can’t wait to see everyone in Las Vegas.
“I’m not worried about what he said. He says I don’t have a chin, but I still beat him. We’re gonna see on July 19.
“It’s not even worth replying to what Angel is saying right now. I’m gonna respond with my fists when that bell rings.
“I’m gonna win. There’s nothing more to say. Get ready, because I’m leaving that ring with another victory.
“He’s just one more in a long line of talkers who like to talk outside of the ring. I like to do my talking inside of the ring.”
ANGEL FIERRO
“I’m here to remove the bitter taste from my mouth from the first fight with Cruz. It’s gonna be a great fight and I can’t wait.
“I figured Isaac Cruz out in our first fight, and now he’s gonna have to figure me out. Isaac doesn’t have the chin that people say he has. So let’s see if he can figure out what to do in the rematch.
“We’re here because he didn’t win so convincingly. We’ll see what happens next. Everyone will see on July 19.
“In the third round of our last fight, I showed that I can rock him. No matter what he says, that happened. I said that I was gonna brawl the first time and it’s gonna be the same thing again. I’m gonna brawl my way to winning the fight, no matter what.
“I’m coming to give it my all. It’s win or go home. 100%. I don’t think about anything else other than winning.”
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“I have a new trainer in Manny Robles and we’ve been working together the last four weeks. I feel incredible. I’ve been working very hard and I’m proud to be in this position.
“If you asked me when I started my career if I ever saw myself fighting on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao, I’d say you’re crazy. But this was destiny and I’m happy to be on this card with all these other hungry fighters.
“I’m really motivated knowing that I’ll be followed by all these great fighters. I know Joet Gonzalez comes ready, so we’re gonna give fans a great show and let everyone know that this card is stacked.
“I’m always down for a fight. Styles make fights and this opener is gonna be amazing. I just can’t wait to get in there.
“I’m coming with everything. I feel like I owe it to the boxing fans after my last performance. This time I’m giving everything I’ve got.
“I’m learning every day from Manny Robles. We’re just getting started and finding a groove. I come to work. I know he’ll have me ready in mind, body and spirit to get this win on July 19.”
JOET GONZALEZ
“I’m very excited for this fight. It’s a blessing. It’s always been a goal of mine to be on a stage like this. I always train hard and I’m gonna come with everything to get that win on July 19. I’ll be ready.
“I’m looking to make a big statement. I’m coming to get his win. It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m planning to make the most of it.
“The whole world will be tuned in and I’m training really hard to get the win. I’m gonna leave it all on the line.
“I’m gonna get the victory by any means necessary. I train hard for every fight, and I’m coming to win.
“From top to bottom, every fighter up here has the potential to steal the show. That’s what I’m planning to do.”
HALL OF FAMER MANNY PACQUIAO SET TO CONTINUE LEGENDARY CAREER & CHALLENGE WBC WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION MARIO BARRIOS HEADLINING PBC PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT ON PRIME VIDEO ON SATURDAY, JULY 19
LAS VEGAS – June 3, 2025 – First ballot International Boxing Hall of Famer Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao will look to add another memorable highlight to his legendary career and become a world champion once again when he challenges the hard-hitting WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios on Saturday, July 19 headlining a star-studded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The co-main event will see a rematch of 2024’s bloodiest fight as reigning WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora faces Australian superstar and former world champion Tim Tszyu. Fundora and Tszyu combined for an unforgettable night in March 2024 as Tszyu fought through one of the most gruesome cuts in recent memory before eventually losing to Fundora by a narrow split-decision.
The stacked lineup features another sensational rematch as Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz battles the hard-hitting Angel Fierro in a 12-round super lightweight fight that follows their action packed first showdown. Plus, former two-division world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa steps in against top contender Joet Gonzalez for 10-rounds of featherweight action that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Pre-sale tickets are available NOW until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.comwith the code: PBC
Public on-sale begins TOMORROW, Wednesday, June 4 at 10 a.m. PT through AXS.com.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
**MANNY PACQUIAO VS. MARIO BARRIOS**
Despite a 17-year age gap between these two fighters, both are unified in their desire to deliver toe-to-toe action for boxing fans as the fighting pride of the Philippines Manny Pacquiao duels WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario Barrios in the 12-round main event.
Already owning a career that’s seen him earn more accolades than can be listed in print, Pacquiao can etch his name into another chapter of the history books by going straight from his Hall of Fame induction in June to a world championship-winning performance on July 19. In an era that’s seen superstars in their 40’s such as Tom Brady and LeBron James continue to excel at the highest levels, Pacquiao can break his own record as the oldest welterweight world champion in history with a win over Barrios, after originally setting the mark at 40-years-old in his 2019 triumph over Keith Thurman.
The Filipino legend will have a tall task in front of him to achieve this feat, as the six-foot Barrios will bring a nearly seven-inch height advantage into his second defense of the WBC title. A two-division world champion, Barrios represents his Aztec heritage every time he enters the ring with an all-action style that’s delivered numerous electric clashes and which should combine with the always hard-charging Pacquiao for explosive action. Looking for a signature victory to separate himself from the other titleholders in boxing’s historic glamour division, Barrios will no doubt be keen to upend Pacquiao’s coronation when they square off on July 19.
A three-time Fighter of the Year and the one-time Boxing Writers Association of America’s Fighter of the Decade, Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs), who hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines, is the only sitting Congressman and Senator to win a world title. After serving two terms as Congressman, Pacquiao was elected to a Philippine Senate seat in May 2016. Pacquiao’s boxing resume features victories over eight current Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Tim Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez.
Pacquiao’s most recent run in the 147-pound division saw him dispatch of former four-division world champion Adrien Broner in January 2019, before defeating the then-undefeated and reigning WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman in July of that same year. Pacquiao’s triumph over Thurman saw him send Thurman to the canvas in round one, the first time Thurman had been down in his career, on his way to edging out a decision in a 2019 Fight of the Year contender. Pacquiao would come up short in his next contest, dropping a decision to late-replacement Yordenis Ugas, who stepped in on short notice to replace an injured Errol Spence Jr. in August 2021.
“Boxing is my passion and I’m so excited to be back in the ring,” said Pacquiao. “MGM Grand is like my second home in my career and it’s a place where I’ve had so many memorable fights, including my U.S. debut. The first title I ever won was a WBC title, and now I am back to fight for the WBC title once again. Mario Barrios is exactly the type of champion I like to fight, because he’s a real Mexican warrior like Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez. Come July 19, it’s going to be an amazing night for the fans.”
The 29-year-old Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) stamped his place among the welterweight elite in September 2023 as he dropped former champion Yordenis Ugas twice to capture the interim belt by unanimous decision. Barrios followed that up by sending Fabian Maidana to the canvas as well on his way to another dominant decision victory, and was elevated to WBC Welterweight World Champion following the bout. His first defense of the title featured Barrios going toe-to-toe with Abel Ramos in one of 2024’s best fights in action that saw both men score knockdowns and that ultimately ended in a split-draw and Barrios retaining the belt.
Before his run at 147-pounds, Barrios was a world champion at 140-pounds, edging out Batyr Akhmedov in September 2019 with a clutch 12th-round knockdown that sealed his victory on the scorecards. Throughout his career, Barrios’ only two defeats have come against two of the era’s best fighters in five-time, three-division champion Gervonta Davis and former unified welterweight world champion Keith Thurman. Representing his native San Antonio, Texas, Barrios trains in Las Vegas with top trainer Bob Santos.
“Sharing the ring with a legend like Manny Pacquiao is an honor, but once the bell rings, it’s all business,” said Barrios. “I respect everything he’s done in the sport, but on July 19, I’m defending what’s mine. This isn’t just another fight — it’s a legacy fight not just for me but for all the Mexican fans as well. Beating Pacquiao puts my name in a different conversation. Pacquiao is a Hall of Famer for a reason. He’s fast, explosive, and dangerous at all times. But I’m younger, I’m hungrier, and I’m the champion for a reason. I’m coming in with everything I’ve got. Fighting in Vegas is always special, but this event is a truly massive stage and I’m ready to show out for the world.”
**SEBASTIAN FUNDORA VS. TIM TSZYU II**
Two of the top fighters in the stacked 154-pound division, WBC Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Australian superstar Tim Tszyu will meet in a 12-round rematch after their first fight saw Tszyu suffer a grisly cut in round three from an inadvertent Fundora elbow. The then WBO 154-pound champion Tszyu chose to fight on instead of bow out due to the cut, eventually losing his title, along with the then-vacant WBC belt, to Fundora by a close decision. On July 19, these two rivals look to settle the score and establish who is number one at 154-pounds.
Fundora (22-1-1, 14 KOs) rocketed to the top of the super welterweight division with that victory over Tszyu, and most recently made a successful title defense in March by knocking out top contender Chordale Booker in round four on Prime Video. A native of Coachella, California, Fundora notably showed his mettle in April 2022, battling the hard-hitting Erickson Lubin in an instant 2022 Fight of the Year contender. Despite both men hitting the canvas, Fundora stood tall in the end, prompting Lubin’s corner to stop the fight at the end of the ninth round. The 27-year-old has defeated a slew of contenders throughout his career, with his only defeat coming to Brian Mendoza in 2023. Fundora represents one of boxing’s most accomplished families, as he is trained by his father Freddy alongside his younger sister, undisputed flyweight world champion Gabriela. The two fighting Fundora’s are the first brother and sister to simultaneously hold world championships.
“I’m more than happy to honor Tim’s rematch clause,” said Fundora. “I expect Tim to be in optimum condition. Fans should expect nothing but a very entertaining violent display.”
After 2024 saw Tszyu (25-2, 18 KOs) lose a second-straight bout to IBF 154-pound champion Bakhram Murtazaliev following the Fundora fight, the 30-year-old recently returned to action in April by stopping young contender Joey Spencer in round four in Australia. Tszyu came into the first Fundora fight off a red-hot 2023 campaign that saw him elevated to world champion at 154-pounds while defeating former world champion Tony Harrison, top contender Brian Mendoza and former title challenger Carlos Ocampo. A native of Sydney, Australia, Tszyu made his U.S debut against U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in March 2022, earning a unanimous decision. Tszyu grew up playing soccer, but soon gravitated toward boxing. The decision led to him following in the legendary footsteps of his father, Kostya, who was an undisputed 140-pound champion.
“You live for these moments in boxing,” said Tszyu. “I’m blessed to be going through it again — to rewrite the chapter. Even with the bad memories and demons from the first fight, this is what growth means as a human being. I can go through hell and come back on top. This time I’ve got a full 12-week camp focused on Fundora — not a few days’ notice — and I’m bringing that intensity. I’ve got a little place set aside for that green belt. I’m ready to go get it.”
**ISAAC CRUZ VS. ANGEL FIERRO II**
In another greatly anticipated rematch, hard-charging Mexican fan-favorite Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will step in once again against his power-punching countryman Isaac Fierro as they meet in a 12-round super lightweight rematch. In their first matchup, Cruz and Fierro fought nip-and-tuck over 10 high-octane rounds that saw them combine to throw over 1400 punches, with Cruz taking home the decision. While Cruz out landed Fierro 142 to 113 over the first five rounds, Fierro was stronger in the second half, landing 132 shots to Cruz’s 106.
Buoyed on by his passionate fan base, Cruz (27-3-1, 18 KOs) became a world champion in March 2024 as he hurt Rolly Romero badly in round one before eventually ending the fight in round eight via TKO to claim the WBA title. Most recently, Cruz bounced back from a loss to Jose Valenzuela by out-slugging countryman Fierro in that decision triumph in February. A native of Mexico City, Cruz shot up the rankings in 2020, announcing his presence with an electrifying first-round knockout over veteran Diego Magdaleno in October before adding dominant decisions over Francisco Vargas and Jose Matias Romero. This rise led to the 26-year-old challenging undefeated superstar Gervonta Davis in December 2021, a fight that saw Cruz lose by decision to become just the second fighter at the time to see the final bell against Davis. Trained by his father Isaac Cruz Sr., Cruz also owns stoppage wins over former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa and veteran contender Eduardo Ramirez, in addition to a 12-round decision over the then-unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera.
“I’m looking forward to fighting Angel Fierro again,” said Cruz. “I know that I won the first fight, but I feel that I can do even better this time around. This is going to be more of the Mexican style boxing that fans want to see. I fight for the fans and I can’t wait to give them more action on July 19.”
Originally from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Fierro (22-3-2, 17 KOs) now fights out of San Diego and has made a name for himself with his aggressive style and power punching prowess. The 26-year-old has fought professionally since 2015 and was undefeated in his first 17 outings. He announced his presence as a world contender in 2021 with a career-best victory as he rose from the canvas to stop former world champion Alberto Machado in round six. Prior to the Cruz fight, Fierro had a three-fight winning streak snapped when he lost a June decision against Alfredo Santiago, with the only other loss of Fierro’s career coming via split-decision in January 2020 against Alex Martin. The February 1 fight against Cruz marked Fierro’s third career fight stateside, and his first since a majority draw against Juan Carlos Burgos in March 2022.
“It is an honor to be fighting at MGM Grand where my idol Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. had so many fights,” said Fierro. “I will honor him by again showing real Mexican style boxing for the world. I feel that I beat ‘Pitbull’ in the first fight and I’m gonna prove it the second time around. I’m coming to win!”
**BRANDON FIGUEROA VS. JOET GONZALEZ**
One of the sport’s premier action fighters, former two-division champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa will return to action against top contender Joet Gonzalez in a 10-round featherweight attraction that will see the winner vaulted back into the world title picture.
The 28-year-old Figueroa (25-2-1, 19 KOs) will look to bounce back after losing his 126-pound title by decision in his February rematch against Stephen Fulton Jr. Figueroa had been elevated to WBC Featherweight World Champion before the fight, after Rey Vargas was declared champion in recess. Figueroa won the Interim WBC Featherweight Title in a 2023 Fight of the Year contender that saw him score a unanimous decision over former champion Mark Magsayo. He returned last May to successfully defend his interim title with a ninth-round knockout of former champion Jessie Magdaleno, increasing his winning streak at the time to three straight. A native of Weslaco, Texas, Figueroa’s relentless pressure and youthful enthusiasm helped him become the first person to defeat former two-division champion Luis Nery in their May 2021 championship clash, as he stopped Nery with a body shot in round seven. Figueroa added to his family’s legacy by capturing the WBC 122-pound world title against Nery, joining his brother Omar Figueroa Jr., who previously held the WBC Lightweight World Championship.
“I’m training in L.A. now with Manny Robles and everything has been going great,” said Figueroa. “I expect a great fight and that I won’t have to look for him to make an exciting fight for the fans. So expect an all-action throwdown. I feel like I owe it to my fans after my last performance. I just want to be more active this year and give the fans more of ‘The Heartbreaker’.”
Fighting out of Los Angeles, Gonzalez (27-4, 15 KOs) returns to the ring after earning a crucial victory over fellow contender Arnold Khegai in March. The 31-year-old turned pro in 2012 with 23 straight victories, earning a world title shot against Shakur Stevenson in 2019 that he would ultimately drop by decision. Gonzalez would go on to challenge for featherweight world titles two more times, losing decisions to Emanuel Navarrete in October 2021 and Luis Alberto Lopez in September 2023. Gonzalez was a sensational and accomplished amateur fighter, with his resume including two victories over Gervonta Davis.
“This is a new opportunity for me and I plan to put on a great fight against a very tough opponent in Brandon Figueroa,” said Gonzalez. “I’m training very hard like I always do and the fans are going to get an exciting fight and a memorable show. We’re both warriors showing up to win that night, so expect fireworks.”
Fundora aims for to be undisputed after stoppage of Booker
LAS VEGAS –It’s beginning to look as if everybody at junior-middleweight is looking up at Sebastian Fundora.
Fundora continued to establish himself as more than just the tallest fighter in the division. He’s also its biggest player, a two-belt champion with a clear path to a chance at winning two more.
“I’d love to be the undisputed champion,” said Fundora (22-1-1 14 KOs), who further secured his place at the top of the 154-pound weight class with a dominant fourth-round stoppage of Choredale Booker (23-2, 13 KOs) Saturday night in a Prime Vision bout at Mandalay Bay’s Michelob Ultra Arena. “Whoever they have for me next, I’ll be ready. I want the IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev, plus Xander Zayas is the WBO mandatory. 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.”
Fundora, a 14-1 favorite, left Booker with very little chance at springing an upset. Booker appeared to be confused by Fundora’s unusual height. He’s 6-foot-6.
“He’s so big,” Booker said, ” that it really doesn’t matter where he’s at in the ring. With every step, he’s covering a lot of ground.”
Booker simply could not escape Fundora’s NBA-like dimensions. He was always there, ready to block any of Booker’s shots. Meanwhile, there was Fundora’s reach, long and dangerous.
The most immediate threat to Fundora’s two belts — the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization — appears to be Zayas.. The Purto Rican emerged as a leading contender Friday after Terence Cawford relinquished his interim title, which represents a so-called mandatory challenge. It was no coincidence that Zayas was at ringside Saturday. There’s already talk about a Fundora-Zayas bout — Mexican American versus Purrto Rican — in New York.
“I”d love it in New York,” Zayas said. “But I’d go to the moon to fight him.”
Jesus Ramos scores TKO, possibly puts himself in line for Fundora
Jesus Ramos moved forward and ever closer to shot at a major junior-middleweight title Saturday with poise and patience in a stoppage of Mexican Guido Emmanuel Schramm Saturday.
In the end, it was a powerful statement.delivered by a 24-year fighter from Casa Grande, Ariz.
The message: Ramos (23-1, 19 KOs) will let neither defeat nor injury stand in his way.
In his third straight victory since a lone loss to Erickson Lubin, Ramos overcame a hand injury, stopping Sscramm with an overpowering succession of punches at 1:38 of the seventh at Mandalay Bay’s Michelob Ultra Arena.”I had some obstacles.,” said Ramos, who might have put himself in line for a shot at the 154-pound titles retained by Sebastian Fundora in a fourth-round stoppage of Choredale Booker Saturday night in title bout after his victory.”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.
“Overall, I felt good. I did what I wanted. I wanted to get him out of there a little earlier, but he’s a warrior. Everything was working, almost too good. That’s where I hurt my hand and I backed off a bit. It was hurting a lot so I kind of boxed a little bit.
“I was joking with my dad that my previous opponent had stopped Schramm so how could he stop him and I don’t? I’m ready for anybody at 154.”
Schramm (16-4-2, 9 KOs), of LOs Angeles, simply didn;t have the strength to keep Ramos off of him. He complained about the stoppage. But if it hadn’t come in the fourth, it would have happened later. It was inevitable.
“I thought the referee stopped the fight prematurely. I was withstanding Ramos’ shots and countering just fine. I wasn’t exposed or defenseless, I just closed up big in order to counter.
“Ramos was dominating, but it was anybody’s fight since I was also hurting him with my shots. I have to let my hands go more and not allow this to happen again. Bring anybody on. I’ll be back and eager to face the best once again.”
“It was hard to get the finish. 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.”
Elijah Garcia win controversial split-decision over Gausha
Elijah Garcia escaped what would have been a devastating loss Saturday, scoring a controversial split decision over Terrell Gausha
In a desperate fight to avoid a second straight loss, Garcia, a 21-year-old Phoenix middleweight, had to get up from a first-round knockdown. Suddenly, it looked as if Gausha might knock the promise out of Garcia’s future. A crisp right hand sent Garcia, head over heels, onto the canvas. Garcia got up and smiled almost in resignation. He knew perhaps, that the next nine rounds could forever fracture his aspirations.
In the end, he survived, perhaps with consistent aggression and solid body shots. In his won-loss record, it goes down as a victory. But controversy lingers. By definition, a split decision is an argument.
Judges Don Trella and Zachary Young scored it for Garcia. It was 99-94 on Trella’s card. Young scored it, 96-93.
On Chris Magliore’s card, it was 95-94 for Gausha.
The judges’ cards appeared to reflect the unofficial scoring along press row and among the fans at Mandalay Bay’s Michelob Ultra Arena. It was split. Some booed. Some cheered. Some scratched their heads in confusion.
“People can think what they want,” said Garcia (17-1, 13 KOs), who had veteran trainer Bob Santos in his corner for the first time. “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. He’s very experienced, very crafty. He was able to do some things that he wanted, but I figured it out as time went on. Whoever thinks I lost, whatever. I won.
“I figured after he dropped me that was the hardest I was going to get hit. I prepared for it 1000%. I don’t control the judges. My job is in the ring. It was a little closer than I thought. For the most part, I controlled the fight. It was a good experience. I am ready for the next one. I never turn down the fight. I’ll fight anybody.”
Like the judges and the crowd, Gausha had a different opinion about what happened. He thought he won
“I just thought I did what I had to do.,” said Gausha (24-5-1, 12 KOs), a 37-year old fighter and 2012 Olympian who has fought and lost for a world title twice. “The decision is unfortunate, but all I can do is try to regroup and get better.”
After the first-round knockdown, Gausha appeared to steal several rounds with a lury of clean shots in the waning seconds of subsequent rounds. He repeatedly caught Gracia with uppercuts. But Garcia’s sustained aggressiveness impressed Trella and Young often enough for him to bank a narrow win, a pivotal one that keeps his career on track.
Freddie Rojas wins unanimous decision
It was awkward. Sometimes ugly. But it was also predictable.
Las Vegas welterweight Freddie Rojas did what he had to, scoring a unanimous decision over Maurice Lee Saturday in the final fight before the Prime Video portion of the card featuring Fundora-Booker at Mandalay Bay’s Michelob Ultra Arena.
Mostly, Rojas had to stay unbeaten. Mission accomplished with a scorecard victory that pushed his record to 15-0, 13 victories by stoppage. Lee, of Woodland Hills CA, fell to 16-2-2, six victories by stoppage
Alberto Mora wins unanimous decision
Alberto Mora’s skill set included the kind of precision and patience that count on the scorecards.
Sure enough, it was on the cards that Mora (13-0, 10 KOS) , a junior-lightweight from Mexico City, won a one-sided decision –80-72, 77-75 and 80-72 — over ViktorSlavinski (15-4–1, 7 KOs), a Los Angeles fighter who always seemed to be one step and several points behind in the sixth bout of the Fundora-Booker card Saturday
Robert Guerrero Jr. wins quick stoppage
He’s the son of a legend. He has a name that creates impossible expectations. Robert Guerrero Jr., son of a former featherweight and junior-lightweight champion, began to show he might be able to live up to some of them Saturday.
Guerrero (6-0, 3 KOs) wasted little time, scoring a second-round stoppage and staying unbeaten in a lightweight blowout of Sam Armas (6-2, 3 KOs, of Pomona CA, on the Fundora-Booker card. Guerrero controlled the ring and the pace with an authority that was a sure sign of some merging maturity.
A Junior no more.
POW, Brayan Gonzalez wins TKO
Brayan Gonzalez wore pink into the ring. Across his trunk’s waistband, it said:
POW.
It was more than a message. The POW was real, delivered at the end of a lethal left hand in a Gonzalez fourth-round stoppage of Justin Marquez on the Fundora–Booker card Saturday at Mandalay Bay’s Michelob Ultra Arena.
Gonzalez (3-0, 2 KOs), a junior-lightweight from Phoenix, found his range and target early and often against Marquez (5-2, 4 KOs), a Stockton fighter who struggled to mount any kind of counter
De La Certa wins bantamweight blowout
Alexis De La Cerda had power in his hands. Speed in his feet.
Combine the two and the potent mix was just too much for Sharone Carter, who found himself down and done in a third-round bantamweight blowout in the third bout on the Fundora-Booker card Saturday.
De La Certa (6-0, 4 KOs), of Federal Way WA, dropped Carter (14-9-1, 3 KOs), of Saint Louis, early in the third and then again in finishing flurry in the final second of the round
Ezequiel Duran gets up to stay unbeaten
is said to be a prospect.
But he had to prove it. He had to get up.
Duran (5-0, 2 KOs) did, displaying a prospect’s chops in a sixth-round stoppage of Canadian Joseph Brown (4-1, 3 KOs) in the second bout on a card featuring Fundora-Booker Saturday. Brown, a rugged junior-middleweight from Vancouver, dropped Duran with a hard shot midway through the fifth.
Duran, of Amarillo TX, quickly rose to the occasion with an aggressive response. He moved forward, throwing punches at a whirlwind rate that forced Brown into a sudden retreat. Duran’s relentless pressure continued in the sixth with a succession of punches that left Brown defenseless and done at 1:54 of the round.
First Bell: Body-shot KO opens the show
The seats were empty. Only an echo filled the building.
Jursly Vargas produced it, delivering a thundering body shot for a fourth-round knockout of Uhlices Avelino-Reyes in the opener Saturday to a card featuring junior-middleweight Sebastian Fundora’s first title defense against Chordale Booker. Mandalay Bay’s Michelob Ultra Arena
Vargas (5-0, 4 KOs), a stocky lightweight from Rotterdam, worked inside Aerlino-Reyes’ long, lanky reach. In the third, Vargas’ body blows began to hurt Avellino-Reyes (3-2, 2 KOs), of Omaha. In the fourth, the matinee was over when Vargas landed a nasty uppercut that dropped Avelino-Reye to his knees in the final second of the round.
VIDEO: Fundora vs. Booker WEIGH-IN | #FundoraBooker
VIDEO: SEBASTIAN FUNDORA VS. CHORDALE BOOKER FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA VS. CHORDALE BOOKER FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
LAS VEGAS – March 20, 2025 – Unified WBC and WBO Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and top-rated contender Chordale Booker went face to face on Thursday at the final press conference before their 154-pound world title clash that headlines PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video this Saturday, March 22 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
One of the sport’s premier action fighters, Fundora will make the first defense of his unified world championship in Saturday night’s main event against the upset-minded Booker, who has earned the WBO No. 5 and WBC No. 14 rankings at 154-pounds to put himself into his first world title fight.
The press conference also included rising Mexican star Jesus Ramos Jr. and Guido Emmanuel Schramm, who will duel in the co-main event, plus rising middleweight contender Elijah Garcia and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha, who square off in the opening bout at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
The tripleheader will stream exclusively on Prime Video for all Prime members in the United States and select countries. Join today or start a free 30-day trial to catch the championship card.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, Sampson Boxing and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now at AXS.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“It’s been a while since I fought, but we’re ready to put on a great show like always and give the fans what they’ve been waiting for.
“I’ve been working the whole time since my last fight. We’ve been waiting for this and we’ll be ready for whatever Booker comes with.
“It’s going to take the best Sebastian Fundora to win this fight. Booker is a top contender in this division, so it’s up to me to figure out how I want to win this fight and then go in there and do it.
“Now that we have these titles there are a lot more opportunities and a lot more fights that we can make. Now everyone wants to fight us. I’m very excited for the future and what’s to come.
“Having two world champions in the gym is great. My sister Gabriela is the youngest undisputed champion in history. It keeps me motivated, because I need to catch up. I’m halfway there and we’re both shooting for the stars.”
CHORDALE BOOKER
“I truly am super grateful for this opportunity, but I’m not just happy to be here, I’m coming to win.
“I’ve got my city, Stamford, Connecticut, showing up for me here and that means a lot to me. It’s gonna be a great night and I know everyone is gonna enjoy it.
“There’s no pressure on me. The only pressure is the pressure I put on myself. I want to bring this back home for myself and my community.
“It’s tough to prepare for Fundora’s height, because he has a unique style and unique height. You can’t find somebody at his weight who’s his height. But I made sure I got the best work possible to be prepared. If there were more guys like Fundora, they’d be world champions.
“I love being competitive. I love being competitive with everything I do. I always set the highest goals possible. Now I’ve made it to the pinnacle of the sport and it’s time to capture it.”
JESUS RAMOS JR.
“I’m just excited to be back and blessed to have this opportunity. I’m looking to stay active this whole year and put on big fights for the fans.
“Activity is really important and it’s overlooked a lot in boxing. The greats would fight often back in the day and that’s something I’m trying to bring back. I’m always in the gym and staying ready. It’s gonna make a big difference.
“The defeat against Erickson Lubin only made me better. I grew a lot and I learned. It was a blessing in disguise in a way and I’m demonstrating that in each fight. I’m showing new wrinkles and displaying my whole arsenal.
“I definitely want the winner of the main event. I’m glad I’m up here next to him so I can really see how tall Fundora is. But I’m definitely not overlooking Schramm, and of course Fundora has a really tough opponent as well. If we both take care of our jobs on Saturday night, we’ll see what happens next.
“If you thought I looked sharp on February 1, I’m going to be even sharper on Saturday night and put on a great performance.”
GUIDO EMMANUEL SCHRAMM
“I want everyone to know that I’m coming to win on Saturday night. I’m grateful to my team for making this possible. I had a great training camp and I’m more than ready to come out with my hand raised.
“I took this fight because I’m ready. I like to be challenged and I’m made for these kinds of moments. I want to shine under the bright lights.
“I have a great opponent in Jesus Ramos Jr., but I’m made to be a champion and I want to prove that to everyone on Saturday night.
“I was training in Los Angeles when I got offered this fight. I was ready from the get go. I said yes right away and I was ready to get it on.
“I’m coming out there to win no matter what. I’ll be ready for whatever happens in the ring and do whatever it takes to get the win.”
ELIJAH GARCIA
“I’m feeling good and I’m feeling ready. We put a lot of work into this camp and I’m excited to get back in the ring. I’m facing a very experienced opponent, and we know it’s gonna be a tough fight, but I’m prepared.
“I came to camp with a new head coach and we’ve done everything correctly. I came here to Las Vegas to not worry about anything but boxing. The loss is what it is. I’ve prepared for Saturday and that’s the only thing that’s on my mind.
“I’m here to get better and be a world champion one day. Terrell is very experienced, very talented and he knows how to control the ring. Fighting a nobody doesn’t prepare me to win a world title. This is the challenge I wanted.
“Bob Santos is on top of everything we do in the ring and that’s what we needed. He’s helping me take this to the next level. I’ve been out here for a while and I’m ready to give the fans a great fight.
“He can say whatever he wants right now, but it’s gonna be much different when we get in the ring. I’ll fight whoever, it doesn’t matter to me.”
TERRELL GAUSHA
“I’m excited to be here. I trained hard and I’m ready to give everyone a show. Come Saturday night, we’re putting on some fireworks.
“I’m fighting a tough guy and that’s why I took the fight. I’m ready to get the win and do my thing when that bell rings. Everyone is gonna see me do my talking with my hands on March 22.
“I have a lot of experience but Garcia has his own style, so I don’t compare him to the great champions I fought. My experience will definitely show in the ring on Saturday.
“I respect Garcia for taking this fight. Real fighters don’t pick and choose. But it was a mistake for him to take this fight. I’m gonna show that I’m ready.
“In my mind, I’m gonna deliver a dominant performance and come out with my hand raised. I respect him, but I trained too hard not to win.”
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ABOUT FUNDORA VS. BOOKER
Fundora vs. Booker will see unified WBC and WBO Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora step into the ring to make the first defense of his world titles as he takes on top contender Chordale Booker headlining PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video action Saturday, March 22 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
In the co-main event, rising Mexican star Jesus Ramos Jr. will battle Guido Emmanuel Schramm in a 10-round all-Mexican super welterweight showdown, plus exciting rising middleweight contender Elijah Garcia duels veteran contender and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in the 10-round opening bout.
The tripleheader will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, with the action streaming exclusively on Prime Video for all Prime members in the United States and select countries. Join today or start a free 30-day trial to catch the championship card.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, Sampson Boxing and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now at AXS.com.
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA VS. CHORDALE BOOKER MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
LAS VEGAS – March 19, 2025 – Unified WBC and WBO Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and top-rated contender Chordale Booker kicked off fight week events Wednesday with a media workout in Las Vegas before they meet in the main event of PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video this Saturday, March 22 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
The media workout also featured rising Mexican star Jesus Ramos Jr. and Guido Emmanuel Schramm, who will duel in the co-main event, plus rising middleweight contender Elijah Garcia and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha, who square off in the opening bout at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
The tripleheader will stream exclusively on Prime Video for all Prime members in the United States and select countries. Join today or start a free 30-day trial to catch the championship card.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, Sampson Boxing and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now at AXS.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Boxing VIP:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“I’m very excited to have another headliner here in the boxing capital of the world of Las Vegas and defend these two titles. I’m ready for Saturday night.
“I think I showed my boxing skills and what I can do with my jab in my last fight. I’ll be ready to do it again if I have to on Saturday night.
“The older I get, the more I feel like I’ve been learning in this sport. I was still growing into my man body and I feel like I’m fully a man now.
“I definitely think I’m a better fighter now that I’ve won these belts. I was confident before, but now there’s an extra confidence that I have with being a champion. I proved to the world that I’m the best in this division.
“I was the underdog in my last fight and you all saw how that went. We’re definitely not looking past Booker. This is what we’ve been focused on for three months and we’re going to show everyone what we came to do.
“The best defense is offense. If you’re not punching, they’re gonna be punching you. There’s only one thing in boxing, it’s simple. You have to throw punches.”
CHORDALE BOOKER
“Everybody at the top of the division has been on my radar. Fundora is the guy with the belts, so I was excited to take on the challenge.
“In my opinion, this is the best weight class in boxing because we have so many different guys who could win on a given night. It’s the most competitive division in the sport.
“Fundora covers a lot of distance, so it’s not easy to avoid getting into a firefight with him. I don’t care how I have to fight to get the win though. I’ve trained to shock the world.
“I don’t think anyone can really prepare for Fundora’s size until you get in the ring and go a few rounds with him. You have to get a gauge for how tall he is and how long his arms are. We brought sparring partners in that simulated him as best they could and I think I’m going to be just fine with the height.
“Some people like Fundora just enjoy going toe-to-toe because that’s their style and that’s what they’re better at. In the Tim Tszyu fight he was actually boxing, so I’m prepared for anything.”
JESUS RAMOS JR.
“We were presented this opportunity and we were excited to stay active. I like the quick turnaround after fighting February 1.
“I feel like I’m even sharper now than I was on February 1. We’ve had great sparring and I feel really good and I’m looking forward to it playing out that way on fight night.
“Guido is an awkward boxer. He puts his hands down and comes forward. He’s not scared to slug it out and I like that. It’s gonna be an exciting fight.
“I’m glad that he’s coming to fight and that we’ll be able to give the fans a great fight. I take all of my opponents seriously and I don’t underestimate anyone.
“I have to put on a dominating performance to keep getting bigger and bigger fights. We’re ready for big names and have to show what level we’re on”
GUIDO EMMANUEL SCHRAMM
“I’m going to shock the world and get the knockout on Saturday night.
“We’re here to win. That’s my job and that’s what I’m coming for. I have a tremendous team and everyone is going to see what I’m capable of. I have no doubt that I’m gonna pull off the upset.
“I’ve always had Jesus Ramos Jr. in my sights. I’ve been watching his fights for a while now, so I jumped at the chance to fight him when it was brought to me.
“I’ve spent a lot of time sparring with Brian Castaño. We’ve known each other for a long time and have shared many rounds together. I’ve sparred Gervonta Davis and Manny Pacquiao just to name a couple, and that’s all going to help me against Ramos.
“I’m a warrior. I’m not just here to cash a check. Everyone is going to see me at my best on Saturday night.”
ELIJAH GARCIA
“I’ve been training here in Las Vegas for the last eight months now and it’s been nothing but sleeping, eating and boxing. I’m prepared, I’m ready and this is the best I’ve ever felt.
“I’m really excited to get back in the ring and show everyone how much I’ve improved. My journey back to the top starts on Saturday.
“I had a bad performance in my last fight and I just need to move on to the next. The biggest thing that I took away from the fight is that I needed to have a better camp and pay more attention to my weight.
“I said after the loss that Bob Santos was the best option for us. He’s got a great team that comes with him and now I feel the best that I ever have. Nobody likes losing and I’m a sore loser. I knew that I had to get better.”
TERRELL GAUSHA
“I’m expecting him to come out like he always does and bring the pressure and try to go to the body. With the way I box, that’s how everybody comes at me. So I’m used to fighting guys with his skillset.
“This fight means a lot. I’m here to show that I’m still one of the top guys in the game. I have to get the victory to keep the big fights coming. I know that I have to perform.
“It’s a blessing to be on this platform. When I was a kid, these are the kinds of fights I wanted to be in. I’ve had the same team my whole career and I’m blessed to still be doing it at this level.
“I want to keep going and fight all the big names. Everyone knows that I fight any and everybody. I just have to take care of business on Saturday first.
“It’s been a good camp without anything to slow me down. I’ve had a really long time to prepare for Elijah, so I’m definitely ready to get in the ring.”
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ABOUT FUNDORA VS. BOOKER
Fundora vs. Booker will see unified WBC and WBO Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora step into the ring to make the first defense of his world titles as he takes on top contender Chordale Booker headlining PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video action Saturday, March 22 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
In the co-main event, rising Mexican star Jesus Ramos Jr. will battle Guido Emmanuel Schramm in a 10-round all-Mexican super welterweight showdown, plus exciting rising middleweight contender Elijah Garcia duels veteran contender and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in the 10-round opening bout.
The tripleheader will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, with the action streaming exclusively on Prime Video for all Prime members in the United States and select countries. Join today or start a free 30-day trial to catch the championship card.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, Sampson Boxing and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now at AXS.com.
UNDEFEATED RISING WELTERWEIGHT FREUDIS ROJAS JR. BATTLES VETERAN CONTENDER MAURICE LEE HIGHLIGHTING NON-TELEVISED UNDERCARD THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 22
LAS VEGAS – March 18, 2025 – An exciting lineup featuring top prospects and rising talent will round out a loaded event headlined by unified WBC and WBO Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora squaring off against top contender Chordale Booker in the main event of PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video on Saturday, March 22 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Rising Mexican star Jesus Ramos Jr. will face contender Guido Emmanuel Schramm in a 10-round super welterweight showdown as the co-main event, and rising middleweight contender Elijah Garcia will face rugged U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in the 10-round opening bout on Prime Video.
The tripleheader will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, with the action streaming exclusively on Prime Video for all Prime members in the United States and select countries. Join today or start a free 30-day trial to catch the championship card.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, Sampson Boxing and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now at AXS.com.
Highlighting the non-televised portion of the fight card will be undefeated knockout artist Freudis Rojas Jr. facing veteran contender Maurice Lee in an eight-round welterweight attraction, as well as unbeaten prospect Alberto Mora Garcia fighting Viktor Slavinskyi in an eight-round super featherweight affair.
Also on the undercard will be Robert Guerrero Jr. (5-0, 2 KOs), the son of former world champion Robert Guerrero, stepping in against Pomona, Calif. native Sean Armas (6-1, 3 KOs) in a four-round lightweight scrap, plus Brayan Gonzalez (2-0, 1 KO) of Phoenix, Ariz. battles Stockton, Calif.-native Justin Marquez (5-1, 4 KOs) in a four-round super bantamweight bout.
Rounding out lineup is unbeaten Alexis De La Cerda (5-0, 3 KOs) entering the ring for six rounds of super bantamweight action against St. Louis-native Sharone Carter (14-9-1, 3 KOs), plus Joseph Brown (4-0, 3 KOs) of Vancouver, Canada and Amarillo, Texas’ Ezequiel Duran (4-0, 1 KO) meet in a six-round super welterweight affair and the Netherland’s Jursly Vargas (4-0, 3 KOs) faces Uhlices Avelino-Rey (3-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round lightweight fight
Las Vegas’ Rojas (14-0, 11 KOs) stopped his first eleven professional opponents inside the distance, including Diego Santiago Sanchez in July 2023. Rojas followed that up by besting Saul Bustos in September 2023, Christian Baez in January 2024 and Walter Cardoba in April 2024, all by unanimous decision. Rojas will be challenged by Lee (15-1-2, 6 KOs) of Woodland Hills, Calif. Lee will look to extend his win streak to seven following a pair of majority draws in September 2018 and February 2019. Since then, Lee has rattled off six straight victories, the most recent of which was a knockout win over Les Byfield in January of last year.
The Mexico City native Garcia (12-0, 9 KOs), having fought all of his professional fights in Mexico, will be making his U.S. debut on March 22. The undefeated power puncher has knocked out his last two opponents and will aim to make it three-in-a-row when he steps between the ropes at Michelob Ultra Arena. He’ll face a rugged opponent in Slavinskyi (15-3-1, 7 KOs) of Los Angeles, Calif., who has won two of his last three fights and who owns a victory over Cuban standout Leduan Barthelemy.
# # #
ABOUT FUNDORA VS. BOOKER
Fundora vs. Booker will see unified WBC and WBO Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora step into the ring to make the first defense of his world titles as he takes on top contender Chordale Booker headlining PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video action Saturday, March 22 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
In the co-main event, rising Mexican star Jesus Ramos Jr. will battle Guido Emmanuel Schramm in a 10-round all-Mexican super welterweight showdown, plus exciting rising middleweight contender Elijah Garcia duels veteran contender and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in the 10-round opening bout.
The tripleheader will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, with the action streaming exclusively on Prime Video for all Prime members in the United States and select countries. Join today or start a free 30-day trial to catch the championship card.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, Sampson Boxing and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now at AXS.com.
JESUS RAMOS JR. GETS NEW OPPONENT IN CONTENDER GUIDO EMMANUEL SCHRAMM FOR SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CO-MAIN EVENT ON SATURDAY, MARCH 22
LAS VEGAS – March 10, 2025 – Rising Mexican star Jesus Ramos Jr. will now face contender Guido Emmanuel Schramm in a 10-round super welterweight showdown as the co-main event of a PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video on Saturday, March 22 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Ramos was originally scheduled to face Kevin Salgado, but Salgado was forced to withdraw from the fight.
The main event on March 22 will showcase unified WBC and WBO Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora squaring off against top contender Chordale Booker. Additionally, rising middleweight contender Elijah Garcia will face rugged U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in the 10-round opening bout on Prime Video.
The tripleheader will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, with the action streaming exclusively on Prime Video for all Prime members in the United States and select countries. Join today or start a free 30-day trial to catch the championship card.
Born in Moron, Buenos Aires, Argentina and fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif., Schramm (16-3-2, 9 KOs) has gone 2-2-1 in his last five outings. He defeated Jonathan Wilson Sanchez by unanimous decision in August of 2022 and then went on to best Jahyae Brown by majority decision in April 2023, before his August 2023 majority draw with Paul Kroll. In November 2023, Schramm lost a majority decision to Johan Gonzalez and was then stopped by Vladimir Hernandez in June 2024. On March 22, Schramm will seek to return to his winning ways when he faces a tough test in Ramos.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, Sampson Boxing and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now at AXS.com.
# # #
ABOUT FUNDORA VS. BOOKER
Fundora vs. Booker will see unified WBC and WBO Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora step into the ring to make the first defense of his world titles as he takes on top contender Chordale Booker headlining PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video action Saturday, March 22 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
In the co-main event, rising Mexican star Jesus Ramos Jr. will battle Guido Emmanuel Schramm in a 10-round all-Mexican super welterweight showdown, plus exciting rising middleweight contender Elijah Garcia duels veteran contender and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in the 10-round opening bout.
The tripleheader will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, with the action streaming exclusively on Prime Video for all Prime members in the United States and select countries. Join today or start a free 30-day trial to catch the championship card.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, Sampson Boxing and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now at AXS.com.
