After May 14, the Super Welterweight division is going to look entirely different, with Sebastian Fundora now a leading candidate to face the winner of the fight between Jermell Charlo and Brian Castaño, after his sensational win this past Saturday in Las Vegas over Erickson Lubin.
Lubin vs. Fundora adds its name to the shortlist of memorable fights at 154 pounds. One of the greatest ever, with no world titles on the line, with apologies to the 154-pound WBC interim belt.
Fundora, at a jaw-dropping 6’6″, looks like someone who would be more comfortable on the basketball court, not the boxing ring. Yet, the remarkable contender comes from a line of fighters. Even his mother had a brief competitive boxing career. His sister, who closely resembles him, was in the corner throughout the fight as well.
Sebastian Fundora’s fight with Sergio Garcia in December 2021 was unremarkable other than Fundora’s willingness and preference to fight on the inside. In the pre-fight build-up, many thought the Lubin-Fundora clash would be a snore-fest as encounters between two southpaw fighters often are.
It was anything but, with Lubin’s sledgehammer left hook finding a home on Fundora’s slim frame. Yet, it was Fundora’s inside uppercuts that were the real difference-maker in the fight.
“I hit him with one uppercut, and I saw that it rocked him,” said Fundora. “So I did it again and again and again. I knew the uppercut was going to land. He said he was going to come out and fight me, and he did. Hats off to him.”
Lubin showed tremendous heart to not only continue, but to do so gamely, even knocking down Fundora in the seventh. Lubin had pledged to be ready for Fundora, but his style and unique dimensions will present challenges for any fighter. He is a bit like a Super Welterweight version of Tyson Fury in his ability, despite his size, to fight on the inside.
“I knew he was going to come to fight. Lubin is an incredible fighter,” said Fundora. “I wish him nothing but the best. He caught me with a good punch that made me think for a second. I recollected myself, and I got the job done.” said Fundora.
“I didn’t like seeing that man. It wasn’t good,” former Welterweight world champion Shawn Porter told Round By Round Boxing from ringside in the aftermath of the fight.
His views were echoed by Shakur Stevenson, who also expressed his dismay.
Lubin did not speak after the fight but, offered this message on Twitter on April 11.
Other ringside observers wondered allowed if Lubin’s career was finished, which seems highly unlikely given his skills, relative youth (27) and amazing heart he showed in the ring on Saturday night.
Fundora, for his part, has made it clear that he is open to facing the winner of the 154-pound undisputed unification fight between Brian Castaño and Jermell Charlo, which is set to take place next month in Carson, CA.
