Sebastian Fundora handed Keith Thurman the primary stoppage defeat of his profession as he demolished his fellow American inside six rounds to retain the WBC super-welterweight title.
The referee waved off the competition at slightly below the midway stage with Thurman – whose solely earlier loss had come towards Manny Pacquiao on factors in 2019 – sporting a bloodied face and unable to take care of a barrage of punches.
Fundora, 28, held a definite peak and attain benefit – standing over 6ft 5in in contrast to his 5ft 9in opponent – and used that to preserve former unified weltwerweight champion Thurman, 37, at bay as he dominated in Las Vegas.
Thurman’s inactivity maybe confirmed – he had solely fought twice between this bout and that defeat to Pacquiao seven years in the past – and he had his legs buckled early on by way of a potent Thurman left hand.
Thurman’s head and physique took a pounding as Fundora brushed apart a fighter he has at all times admired.
Fundora’s peak and vary proved an excessive amount of for Thurman to take care of
Fundora: Fight rather a lot simpler than I anticipated
Fundora, who took his file to 24-1-1 and left his opponent’s at 31-2, mentioned afterwards: “I instructed him that I’ve at all times regarded up to him. He’s a Hall of Famer, for positive.
“All respect to Keith, that is why I had to prepare so arduous. That’s why I labored so arduous to show to him, to show to the world that I’m the most effective 154.
“It was a lot easier than I expected.
“I used to be a bit of nervous as a result of he is such a giant title, however we obtained in there and I remind myself as quickly as we step via every part, that is my world. You’re in my world.
“I think 154 is the best division right now, so whoever wants it next, we can get it.”
‘Stoppage was untimely – I had extra in me’
Thurman mentioned he had ‘extra in him’ when the combat was stopped in the sixth spherical
Thurman was pissed off the bout was stopped so early however hailed Fundora as a “great young fighter”.
The Floridian mentioned: “The fight was getting really good. The fans were loving the action and the referee stopped it too early. They don’t have the guts to let the fights go on like (in past years).
“He talked to me and mentioned if I used to be transferring my ft he would not cease the combat. I wasn’t on the ropes taking pictures. It was very unlucky to not give the followers a greater present.
“Win, lose, or draw, I thought it was a little bit premature. I had more in me.
“Sebastian positively got here in form. He throws quite a lot of punches. The uppercut he caught me and lower me with was an ungainly punch that I’ve by no means been hit with earlier than.
“The man brings it. He’s a tremendous champion, and I can lift my head up high knowing I was defeated by a great young fighter.”
