Fundora vs. Hadribeaj: WBC Junior Middleweight Title Fight Set for Oct. 17 in Carson

CARSON, Calif. — Sebastian Fundora will defend his WBC junior middleweight championship against unbeaten contender Ermal Hadribeaj on Oct. 17 in Carson, California, in a 12-round main event that will be broadcast on DAZN and TNT.

The fight pits one of boxing’s most physically unusual champions against an undefeated challenger hungry for a career-changing opportunity.

Fundora, known as “The Towering Inferno,” is a 6-foot-5 southpaw who creates matchup nightmares at 154 pounds. With long arms, relentless volume, and awkward angles, he has the ability to overwhelm opponents at range or drag them into a firefight. He captured the WBC junior middleweight title with a memorable split-decision win over Tim Tszyu in March 2024 and has since been chasing the biggest fights available in a deep division.

Against Hadribeaj, Fundora will need to fight smart. His size and reach should allow him to control the distance with a stiff jab and long combinations. But Fundora has been drawn into brawls before, and Hadribeaj will be looking to exploit any reckless moments. If Fundora keeps his hands moving, uses uppercuts when Hadribeaj ducks inside, and avoids trading unnecessarily, he should be able to impose his will.

Hadribeaj enters as the underdog, but he is not coming to lose. The Albanian contender is unbeaten and technically sound, with good footwork and the kind of lateral movement that can trouble a taller, longer fighter. He will likely try to slip past Fundora’s jab, close the distance, and work the body. His best chance is to make Fundora miss, counter over the top, and turn the fight into a tactical battle rather than a shootout.

The challenger’s lack of world-title experience is a question mark, but his undefeated record and nothing-to-lose attitude make him a live dog. A win over Fundora would instantly make him a world champion and one of the biggest stories in the sport.

For Fundora, the stakes are clear. A victory keeps him in line for unification fights and marquee matchups at junior middleweight. A loss would be a massive upset and could derail his plans at 154 pounds. The 12-round championship distance will also be a factor, testing both fighters’ stamina, discipline, and ability to adjust mid-fight.

Fight details:

• Date: Oct. 17

• Location: Carson, California

• Broadcast: DAZN and TNT

• Title at stake: Sebastian Fundora’s WBC junior middleweight title

• Distance: 12 rounds

On paper, Fundora’s size, experience, and level of opposition make him a heavy favorite. But Hadribeaj has the movement, confidence, and unbeaten record to make things uncomfortable. If Fundora overlooks him, the champion could find himself in a far tougher fight than expected.

One thing is certain: on Oct. 17 in Carson, Fundora will have to prove he is still the king at 154 pounds — and Hadribeaj will have the chance of a lifetime to take his crown.