Sebastian Fundora handed Keith Thurman the first stoppage defeat of his career as he demolished his fellow American inside six rounds to retain the WBC super-welterweight title.
The referee waved off the contest at just under the halfway stage with Thurman – whose only previous loss had come against Manny Pacquiao on points in 2019 – sporting a bloodied face and unable to deal with a barrage of punches.
Fundora, 28, held a distinct height and reach advantage – standing over 6ft 5in compared to his 5ft 9in opponent – and used that to keep former unified weltwerweight champion Thurman, 37, at bay as he dominated in Las Vegas.
Thurman’s inactivity perhaps showed – he had only fought twice between this bout and that defeat to Pacquiao seven years ago – and he had his legs buckled early on via a potent Thurman left hand.
Thurman’s head and body took a pounding as Fundora brushed aside a fighter he has always admired.
Fundora: Fight a lot easier than I expected
Fundora, who took his record to 24-1-1 and left his opponent’s at 31-2, said afterwards: “I told him that I’ve always looked up to him. He’s a Hall of Famer, for sure.
“All respect to Keith, that’s why I had to train so hard. That’s why I worked so hard to prove to him, to prove to the world that I am the best 154.
“It was a lot easier than I expected.
“I was a little nervous because he’s such a big name, but we got in there and I remind myself as soon as we step through everything, this is my world. You’re in my world.
“I think 154 is the best division right now, so whoever wants it next, we can get it.”
‘Stoppage was premature – I had more in me’
Thurman said he had ‘more in him’ when the fight was stopped in the sixth round
Thurman was frustrated the bout was stopped so early but hailed Fundora as a “great young fighter”.
The Floridian said: “The fight was getting really good. The fans were loving the action and the referee stopped it too early. They don’t have the guts to let the fights go on like (in past years).
“He talked to me and said if I was moving my feet he wouldn’t stop the fight. I wasn’t on the ropes taking shots. It was very unfortunate to not give the fans a better show.
“Win, lose, or draw, I thought it was a little bit premature. I had more in me.
“Sebastian definitely came in shape. He throws a lot of punches. The uppercut he caught me and cut me with was an awkward punch that I’ve never been hit with before.
“The man brings it. He’s a tremendous champion, and I can lift my head up high knowing I was defeated by a great young fighter.”
