‘The Towering Inferno’ is set to light up the 154lbs division. With his striking nickname and considerable height for a super-welterweight, the 6ft 5 1/2ins Sebastian Fundora believes the boxing world will take notice when he meets Mexican Jorge Cota in a WBC title eliminator on the Errol Spence-Danny Garcia undercard at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday.
Californian Fundora (15-0-1, 10 KOs) is on the brink of a big breakthrough in the vibrant 154lbs division, led by WBC, WBA Super and IBF title-holder and PBC stablemate Jermell Charlo.
Photo: Ryan Hafey/PBC.
In August, a sixth round KO of sturdy Jamaican contender Nathaniel Gallimore, who had previously gone the course with Julian Williams, Patrick Teixeira and Erickson Lubin, illustrated Fundora is a legitimate threat. In theory, the stiff-hitting Cota (30-4, 27 KOs) is one of his final obstacles before a potential clash with Charlo and the division’s elite.
“Cota is Mexican warrior, so I expect him to come to fight and not be afraid to exchange,” said Fundora. “Luckily for the fans, we’re not afraid to exchange either. We’ll be ready for his aggression.
“I hope he brings his A-game, because I’m going to bring mine and give the fans a great performance. The fact that we’ll have such a huge audience of Mexican and Mexican-American fans make it almost feel like I’m fighting at home.
“This is my chance to say that I’m here and I’m coming for it all. Right now, I’m just focused on Cota and my fight on Saturday. I believe I’m right there with the top contenders and champions and that I’m ready for any of them after I handle my business this weekend.”
Main image and all photos: Ryan Hafey/PBC.