Fundora–Thurman Expected for Pacquiao Undercard in Late January

Sebastian Fundora is expected to defend his WBC junior middleweight title against former welterweight champion Keith Thurman on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s comeback bout in Las Vegas, targeted for Jan. 24 (with Jan. 31 also in play), sources told The Ring.

Pacquiao announced last week he’ll fight in Las Vegas on Jan. 24 for the second bout of his comeback, though the date could slide to Jan. 31. Rolando “Rolly” Romero is viewed as the frontrunner to face Pacquiao after the Hall of Famer’s July draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

Fundora–Thurman was originally slated to headline a PBC on Prime Video PPV on Oct. 25 in Las Vegas. That plan unraveled when Fundora suffered a hand contusion in sparring reportedly from landing on a partner’s elbow. Imaging showed no fracture, but the swelling and inflammation sidelined him from sparring for three weeks, pushing the matchup to early 2026 calendar slots—and now, onto Pacquiao’s undercard window.

Tale of the tape

• Sebastian Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs) — WBC 154-lb champ, The Ring No. 2 at 154; 6’5½” southpaw dubbed “The Towering Inferno.” Comes off a 7th-round TKO of Tim Tszyu in their July rematch, having first taken the belt via split decision in the 2024 upset.

• Keith Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs) — Former unified 147-lb titlist. Returned in March with a third-round KO of Brock Jarvis in Australia at 154, intended as a springboard to a Tszyu title clash later in the year. Thurman’s lone loss remains his 2019 decision to Pacquiao.

Fundora’s skyscraper frame and inside volume create a unique puzzle at 154. Thurman brings veteran timing, power in bursts, and championship seasoning plus the intrigue of his recent move up in weight. For Fundora, a statement defense further stabilizes his post-Tszyu reign. For Thurman, it’s a fast track back to belt-holder status in a new division.

What’s next

Finalized date, venue details, and full undercard are expected once Pacquiao’s main event opponent is locked Romero remains the leading candidate. If Fundora’s hand responds as expected, he and Thurman are poised to add star wattage to a high-profile Las Vegas bill to open 2025’s fight calendar.