We are just over two weeks away from the WBC junior middleweight title fight live on pay-per-view between champion Sebastian Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs) and Keith Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs). On Wednesday, Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) hosted a virtual press conference in which the two fighters answered media questions ahead of fight week.
Lately, Fundora has been coming out of his shell more and making comments with a high level of confidence. Thurman has been giving everyone the full dose of Thurman, as only he can. The elephant in the room is whether this fight can finally get to a point where they see each other face-to-face inside the ring. Let’s hope so, but until then, here are some of the comments made by both the champion and the challenger.
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.”
Discover more from Fights Around The World
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
