Keith Thurman has claimed that Sebastian Fundora will know what it is like to face a boxing “legend” as he plans to put him on the canvas when they meet.
WBC super welterweight champion Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs) makes the third defense of his title when he takes on Thurman at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on March 28.
“It’s a heavy weight on the shoulders being champion,” Thurman said during a virtual press conference. “I know! He’s gonna see what an OG can do…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 seriously than that, and he’s gonna find out that March 28 isn’t just another day, it’s Thurman’s day.”
Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs) claimed his first world title when he was elevated to WBA welterweight champion ahead of stepping in the ring with Robert Guerrero in 2015. The Floridian secured a comfortable unanimous decision, dropping Guerrero in the ninth round.
Following victories against Luis Collazo and Shawn Porter, Thurman would unify the division against WBC champion Danny Garcia, winning a close split decision.
“Danny Garcia is the only champion I’ve gotten to take the belt from,” Thurman explained. “Now it’s happening for the second time and in a second division. I’m ready to keep writing my history.”
There will be an extreme height advantage on the side of Fundora, who stands at a lanky 6 foot 5 inches. Thurman stands at 5 foot 9 inches, much like most of Fundora’s previous opponents.
“My sparring partners definitely have the height and reach that’s gotten me familiar with what I need,” Thurman continued. “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.”
There will also be a large discrepancy in age between the pair, with Thurman being nine years older than the defending champion at 37 years old. Whether experience will be a factor in the upcoming clash remains unknown, as Fundora’s most high-profile victories came against Australia’s Tim Tszyu.
“Fundora is starting to get better and better,” Thurman added. “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.”
