(April 11, 2022) One of the most respectful and personable fighters in boxing, brand new WBC Interim Super Welterweight Champion, Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora, wishes to send his warmest wishes for a quick recovery to brave challenger Erickson “Hammer” Lubin.
In an instant boxing classic, the two 154-lb fighters waged a thrilling, back-and-forth war of attrition Saturday (April 9, 2022) night in The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, as California’s Fundora (19-0-1, 13 KOs) and Florida’s Lubin (now 24-2, 17 KOs) took turns hitting the deck: Lubin was down in round two and Fundora was down in round seven.
Eventually, however, the work rate and inside fighting skills, especially the uppercut, of the 6’ 6” Fundora were able to mash the face of the much shorter Lubin and inflict severe facial swelling and damage. Despite their man being ahead on all three scorecards, Lubin’s corner indicated he had taken enough damage after round nine and requested a stoppage, giving the popular Fundora a career-defining victory in a nationally televised main event.
“That was a very tough fight. I loved it,” said a happy Fundora. “I want to let Erickson Lubin know I respect his heart and toughness very much. I went into the fight thinking Lubin’s chin was suspect, but he took everything I could throw at him and still kept coming. I give him major respect and I hope he heals up quickly. He’s a very brave fighter. Get well soon and let’s do it again!”
The eldest Fundora, father/trainer Freddy, says he’s also extremely happy with his son’s exciting triumph and impressed with Lubin’s toughness.
“I’m very happy we were able to get the win; we needed to win to get into the bigger fights,” said Fundora. “That was a terrific fight between two future champions. Neither fighter has anything to be ashamed of. They are both true warriors.”
So severe was the damage to Lubin’s distorted face that false internet rumors and conspiracies have already begun surrounding Fundora’s gloves and conditioning. Fundora averaged 78 punches thrown and 28 landed, per round, while the less-active Lubin averaged 41 punches thrown and 17 landed per round.
“It’s all not true,” Freddy Fundora continued. “Erickson Lubin had a representative and The State of Nevada Commission Inspector were both in the room for Sebastian’s hand wrapping and to inspect the gloves. We didn’t even send anyone to Lubin’s room we trust their integrity and the Nevada Commission so much. As far as his work rate in that fight, that’s his dedication. Sebastian trained like he was possessed for this fight. He took it up a level with everything, power, speed and punch rate. That’s what champions do. The Nevada Athletic Commission takes blood and urine after a title fight, so very shortly, any talk of PED use will be proven false when Sebastian comes back all clean.”
Fundora’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, the Uruguayan talent scout known for finding unknown diamonds like Manny Pacquiao, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez and current super middleweight king David Benavidez in obscure gyms around the world, says Fundora’s victory changes the trajectory of the 24-year-old southpaw’s career.
A star is born!” said the happy Lewkowicz. “The Towering Inferno is going straight to the top. The fans love how he fights. He doesn’t back down ever. And everybody likes Sebastian away from the ring. Such a nice family. But, inside the ring, Sebastian Fundora can’t be beaten at 154 lbs. My hat is off to Erickson Lubin, but Sebastian Fundora is going to clean out the division.”