Zayas Says Fundora Ducked Him

Xander Zayas claimed that Sebastian Fundora consciously avoided their mandatory encounter last year in favor of less risky opportunities.

The friction dates back to March 2025, when Zayas entered the ring following Fundora’s victory over Chordale Booker. At the time, Zayas was the WBO mandatory challenger and expected an immediate order for the title fight. Instead, Fundora opted for a rematch with Tim Tszyu, a move that ultimately led to the WBO stripping Fundora of his belt.

Zayas, now 23 and widely considered the future of the 154-lb division, questioned whether Fundora’s “warrior” reputation aligns with his recent matchmaking choices. Pursuing the Tszyu rematch and the subsequent Keith Thurman fight (March 28, 2026) offered significantly higher purses and commercial visibility than a high-risk defense against Zayas.

By sidestepping Zayas, Fundora lost his status as a unified champion. With Fundora now focused on a potential unification with Josh Kelly, Zayas finds himself in a unique position. Zayas is the current WBO and WBA 154 champ, as he faces Jaron Ennis next. Wins for Fundora and Zayas could lead to a potential future undisputed clash.

“He had them before and could have kept them. He lost the belt because he wanted to,” Zayas said