Sebastian Fundora Targets Vergil Ortiz Jr. for Statement Fight

LAS VEGAS — The junior middleweight division continues to separate itself as boxing’s deepest and most talent-rich weight class, and WBC champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora is positioning himself right in the center of it all.

With a massive September 12 card headlined by Canelo Alvarez looming, several champions have already begun angling for co-main event status including Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez and Emanuel Navarrete. But Fundora is making it clear: he wants in, and he’s willing to earn it the hard way.

Before any talks of a Canelo undercard slot become reality, Fundora has his eyes set on something even bigger a showdown with WBC interim champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. for the vacant Ring title.

“It would be great to fight on the Canelo card,” Fundora told The Ring. “I’ll be ready to fight again in September after the Thurman fight… I’m chopping down whoever steps up. I’m building a legacy. I’ll fight Vergil.”

The matchup would carry major stakes. Ortiz is currently ranked No. 1 by The Ring at 154 pounds, while Fundora sits just behind him at No. 2 making it one of the most natural and explosive fights the division can offer. For Fundora, it’s not just about opportunity it’s about legacy. “I’m eventually going to get my hands on the Ring title, just like my sister Gabriella,” he added.

154 Pounds: Boxing’s Most Dangerous Division

Fundora’s ambitions come in a division stacked from top to bottom. Current champions include Xander Zayas (WBA/WBO) and Josh Kelly (IBF), while elite-level contenders such as Jaron “Boots” Ennis, Errol Spence Jr., and former undisputed king Jermell Charlo continue to hover around the title picture.

Add in dangerous names like Israil Madrimov and Bakhram Murtazaliev, and it becomes clear why Fundora calls it “the best division in boxing.” At 6-foot-5½, Fundora remains one of the most unique physical challenges in the sport and he insists he’s not leaving 154 anytime soon.

“I’m still comfortable at 154 pounds right now,” Fundora said. “There are a lot more fights left for me in the division… I’m going to stay at 154 until we run dry.” Before any mega-fights or Canelo co-main event dreams materialize, Fundora must handle business against former unified champion Keith Thurman on March 28 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The bout headlines a PBC on Prime Video PPV card and represents a classic crossroads fight: youth, size, and momentum versus experience and pedigree.

Oddsmakers are heavily siding with Fundora, installing him as a -380 favorite, with Thurman listed at +280. Still, Fundora isn’t taking anything lightly even as he confidently predicts a changing of the guard. “I’m expecting the best Keith Thurman,” Fundora said. “But this is a new era. I’m beating him down.”

The Stakes: Canelo, Legacy, and Control of 154

A dominant win over Thurman could catapult Fundora into one of the biggest stages in boxing co-headlining alongside Canelo Alvarez in September. More importantly, it would solidify his position in a loaded division where every fight carries championship implications. And if Fundora gets his wish, that path runs straight through Vergil Ortiz Jr. in what could become one of the defining fights of boxing’s new era.