Sebastian Fundora-Keith Thurman For WBC 154 Pound Title

Sebastian Fundora and Keith Thurman have agreed to meet for Fundora’s WBC junior middleweight title on Oct. 25 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena, sources told The Ring on Thursday. The 154 pound championship bout will headline a PBC on Prime pay-per-view.

Thurman, 36, is aiming to become a two division champion after a long reign as welterweight marquee name ended with his lone career defeat a split decision loss to Manny Pacquiao in 2019. Since then, injuries and inactivity have limited him to just two fights. A 2022 win over Mario Barrios and a third round knockout of Brock Jarvis this past March, marking his debut at 154 pounds.

Originally, Thurman was slated to challenge Tim Tszyu in March 2024, but a biceps injury requiring surgery forced him out. Fundora stepped in on short notice and shocked Tszyu with a split decision victory in a brutal, blood soaked battle. The 6-foot-5 1/2 southpaw then defeated Tszyu again in July, this time via seventh-round stoppage, to notch his second title defense.

Now, Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs) prepares for his third defense against the highest-profile opponent of his career. Over his last three fights, he has sharpened his style, effectively using his reach and southpaw jab from range. For Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs), the matchup represents both his first title fight in more than six years and his first multi bout calendar year since 2019.

One more time?

Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman has become a forgotten fighter. The once undefeated fighter hasn’t fought much in the last five years. But with an upset win against Fundora, that will propel him to the top of the 154 weight pound division. With fighters from Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Vergil Ortiz Jr. waiting for an opportunity to take the veterans title.