Fundora to Defend WBC Superwelterweight Title for Fourth Time

Sebastian Fundora will defend his WBC superwelterweight title for the fourth time against Ermal Hadribeaj on October 17, 2026, at the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. Fundora enters the bout with a professional record of 24 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw with 16 knockouts.

Hadribeaj arrives with a professional record of 23 wins, no losses, 1 draw, and 8 knockouts.

Sebastian Fundora stands at 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm), making him the tallest champion in WBC superwelterweight history. Thomas Hearns is the next tallest at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm). The WBC said that resolving the puzzle posed by Fundora’s height and reach is a complex task with no precedents or previous mold, as no one in the superwelter division has had his dimensions.

Fundora is described as thin but resistant, hitting with power and precision. He prefers to resolve fights at close range with his characteristic uppercut.

Hadribeaj’s strategy must focus on shortening the distance, attacking Fundora’s slender body, and connecting hooks and uppercuts in the upper zone at close range. Hadribeaj is also a southpaw and faces an extremely difficult test.

Fundora defeated former unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman by stoppage in the sixth round. His only professional loss came against Brian Mendoza, who also measures 5 feet 10 inches, resulting in Fundora losing the WBC interim title.

Hadribeaj won the WBC Mediterranean title by unanimous decision against Thodoris Ritzakis, the vacant NABF title against Daniel Baiz, and the International title against Daniel Buciuk, which he defended eight times.

Fundora seeks to unify titles and has expressed interest in facing AMB and OMB champion Jaron Ennis, who holds a record of 36-0 with 32 KOs. Fundora must resolve the commitment against Hadribeaj before considering any future scenario.

Do you think Hadribeaj’s southpaw approach can overcome Fundora’s height and reach in their October 17 WBC superwelterweight title fight?