Sebastian Fundora sees Ermal Hadribeaj as latest hurdle

While WBC super welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora knows it certainly won’t be easy when he goes against a fighter who has not tasted defeat, he believes that the bout against Ermal Hadribeaj is the type of matchup that will only help his case for being the very best at his division.

“This is boxing,” Fundora said. “You have to fight everyone if you want to be the best. I consider myself the best, so come after me.”

Both the WBC super welterweight championship and the WBA featherweight world championship will be contested in the upcoming installment of TNT and DAZN’s “The Fight” series.

Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will fight the unbeaten Hadribeaj, headlining the event. Two-division champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa will look to defend his WBA featherweight title for the first time against Japanese star and former world champion Tomoki Kameda. 

After defeating Keith Thurman in March, Fundora (24-1-1, 16 KOs) does not doubt his ability to defend his title. Hadribeaj (23-0-1, 8 KOs) looks to strip Fundora from his title. Not only is he more than ready for Hadribeaj, but he’s already looking forward to his next contest. He views the upcoming Jaron Ennis fight against Josh Kelly as the best 154-pound fight, and he wants the winner of that bout next.

“I’d like to unify,” Fundora said. “I want the winner between Jaron Ennis and Josh Kelly.”

More than a champion

He’s already become a champion. He’s gone through the grind and emotions of rightfully claiming the WBA title. This isn’t uncharted territory for him. With a 27-2-1 record and 20 KOs, Figueroa knows he can step into the ring with the very best.

Even though Kameda (42-5-0, 23 KOs) hasn’t fought since his loss to Angelo Leo in May of 2025 in Japan, he certainly has the upper hand when it comes to experience, which can be used in his favor.

More from Our Esquina

Mexican Monster David Benavidez adds new crown

Auburn siblings Antonio, Elijah Melendez pack punch

Texas A&M kicker David Olano made own path from Futbol to Football

But Figueroa and his team are prepared for anything that is thrown his way.

“Kameda has great experience,” Figueroa said. “He’s been in there with a lot of world champions. And he has the grit you need. He’s gonna use his experience, but we’re training 110 %. We’re always preparing for anything that can come our way.”

Regardless of everything surrounding the fight, Figueroa isn’t worried about any of that and knows what kind of task is at hand.

“Right now I’m just locked in on the fight,” he said. “I want to break Tomoki Kameda’s heart. That’s my plan and that’s my mission. I haven’t been home in three months, so I’m just ready to go out and perform and give the fans exciting fights.”

Chasing greatness

And yes, defending his title is something he desperately wants. It’s what every fighter dreams of. Some things go beyond belts and titles, though. Figueroa strives to be much more than a boxer for his community.

“I want to be one of the greatest fighters on the planet,” he said. I want to represent my community and help out my community. I want to inspire and motivate the youth in my community and in Mexico as well.”

The card also features rising star Marco “El Tiburon” Romero against Uruguay’s Braulio Ferreira in an eight-round super middleweight bout. Former world champion Armando “Toro” Resendiz will fight a 10-round super middleweight showdown against Australia’s Koen Mazoudier.

Premier Boxing Champions will present the event at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Saturday, Oct. 17, and it will air exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV, and DAZN at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Marco Romero aims to stay undefeated

The rising star is 15-0 with a whopping 13 KOs. He is only just getting started. After coming off his latest victory in August against Kahlil Mitchell via TKO, Romero is more than excited to prove to everyone what he’s capable of accomplishing.

This time, it’ll be Ferreira (8-3-0, 3 KOs) who is standing in his way of maintaining his undefeated record. But no matter who it is, Romero is excited to once again showcase his talent to the world.

“I’m looking to show that I’m the full package,” he said. “I can brawl and I can box (and) I can counterpunch. And I have the ring IQ to do anything. If this goes a few more rounds, I’ll be able to demonstrate that to the public.”

“I’m really grateful for this opportunity. It shows that my team believes in me and it shows what they expect from me. I’m here to deliver more performances.”