Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) officially announced on February 2, 2026, that WBC super welterweight (junior middleweight) champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will defend his title against former unified welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The bout will headline a PBC on Prime Video pay-per-view card.
This matchup revives a highly anticipated clash that was originally scheduled for October 25, 2025, but was postponed just weeks before when Fundora suffered a hand injury during training camp. The delay pushed negotiations and rescheduling into late 2025 and early 2026, with Thurman publicly expressing optimism in early January interviews (including with The Ring) that an announcement would come within 10 days to two weeks—proving accurate as the new date landed shortly after.
Fighter Breakdowns and Stakes
• Sebastian Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs) The 6’5½” southpaw has solidified himself as one of the division’s most dangerous forces since capturing the WBC belt. In 2025, he delivered statement knockout wins over Tim Tszyu and Chordale Booker, showcasing improved power, ring IQ, and durability. At 28 years old, Fundora is in his prime and views this defense as a chance to continue building his legacy as the face of the 154-pound division. His awkward height, reach advantage, and heavy hands make him a nightmare matchup for most opponents.
• Keith Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs) The 37-year-old veteran is attempting a late-career resurgence. After years of inactivity and injuries, Thurman moved up to 154 pounds in 2025 for his super welterweight debut. A win here would mark his first world title since his welterweight days (where he held the WBA and WBC belts) and prove he can still compete at an elite level. Thurman has emphasized his motivation to reclaim championship glory, telling The Ring he wants to showcase his old power and speed—though age and ring rust remain legitimate questions.
Why This Fight Matters
This is a classic champion vs. veteran comeback story with real intrigue:
• Style clash: Fundora’s towering reach and awkward angles vs. Thurman’s explosive counter-punching and one-punch power could produce fireworks—or a tactical chess match.
• Redemption angle for Thurman: Beating a younger, active champion would silence doubters and cement his return as legitimate.
• Fundora’s proving ground: A decisive victory over a former pound-for-pound name would further elevate him in the super welterweight hierarchy (where names like Vergil Ortiz Jr., Tim Tszyu rematches, or unification talks loom).
• Division implications: The 154-pound landscape remains stacked; a Fundora win keeps the belt in play for bigger matchups, while a Thurman upset shakes things up dramatically.
Additional Context and Edge Cases
• Press conference: A formal face-off is scheduled for Wednesday (February 4 or 5, 2026) at Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles, where both fighters will offer first quotes since the rescheduling.
• Broadcast: As a PBC PPV on Prime Video, expect a solid undercard (likely featuring rising talents or veterans), though full details are pending.
• Potential risks: Thurman’s age/inactivity and Fundora’s past hand issues mean any further setbacks could derail the bout again—though both camps appear committed.
• Fan sentiment: Early reactions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) are split—many see it as a 50/50 thriller, with some favoring Fundora’s youth and activity, while others back Thurman’s experience and power for an upset.
The boxing world now has a firm date for what promises to be one of the most compelling title fights of early 2026. Mark your calendars for March 28—Fundora vs. Thurman is finally back on, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.