Dignity Health Sports Park: Carson, California
There is no denying that the gifts Sebastian Fundora has are impressive. But the 24-year old is still filling out, and is becoming less and less awkward. And as the WBC’s interim World Champion and mandatory Fundora is almost ready for his crack at the real title. But just not yet.
Carlos Ocampo showed the gutsy heart that many Mexican fighters have. And a pretty solid chin as well. He was out landed 871-869 and out jabbed 365 to 216. It was the pinpoint left jab from “The Towering Inferno” that was the key part to this story in his 117-111, 118-110, 119-109 unanimous decision win to stay undefeated at 20-0-1, extending his win streak to seven.
Fundora book ended the fight fighting at range with a high pace phone booth fight. As he told Jim Gray afterward how much he loves to “bang” especially since the fans love that. While that may look exciting it’s his last key flaw. Both Jermell Charlo and Tim Tszyu who battle for undisputed in January can and would make him pay dearly for that type of fight.
Fundora Is Almost Ready, Just Needs More Seasoning
In theory a mandatory should be next. But what’s more important is mapping out his career correctly, and smart. The title will always be there so there is no rush. Especially for someone not even in their prime yet. So what should he do? He needs a veteran or two that will give him that baptism under fire. To put him in serious trouble, if not put him on the canvas and force him to dig deep for a win.
Two names that come to mind are Liam Smith and Danny Garcia. Between them, “Swift” has a better chance at really testing him. But it’s not like you want to see his “0” taken. Just scare him a bit. Because Charlo and Tszyu are quicker than what Fundora has faced so far. And Charlo has more pop in his hands then he has faced.
However, that 80-inch reach would frustrate Charlo, and he’d look to drag him into a dogfight. This is where Fundora has to use his gift more, and stay to the outside. Tszyu is just one of those super well rounded fighters nearing his own prime. He hasn’t shown yet frustration in the ring. But again, Fundora’s reach might do that to everyone. That’s why he needs to do it more, not less.
And there’s another reason to look for veteran opponents now. No matter what happens in January, Fundora has to expect there will be an immediate rematch. If Fundora sat and waited for the title shot next, he could be looking at being on the sideline till the summer. And that’s just a waste of youth.
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