Sebastian Fundora defends his WBC super welterweight (154-pound) title against mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj on October 17, 2026, at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. The fight will be presented live on TNT Sports via PBC and DAZN.
Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora (24-1-1, 16KOs) has the physical advantages: At 6’5½” with an 80-inch reach, Fundora possesses a freakish height and distance advantage for the 154-pound division Despite his skyscraper frame, Fundora loves to fight on the inside or mix high-volume output with relentless forward pressure. He does not use his height to jab and move; he uses it to smother opponents and drown them in punches. Fundora views this mandatory defense as a stepping stone toward a massive unification showdown (such as against Jaron “Boots” Ennis). He has dismissed Hadribeaj’s punching power and stated he expects to close the show before the final bell.
Ermal “The Sniper” Hadribeaj, the Albanian-born, Miami-based contender enters at 23-0-1, earning his mandatory shot via a unanimous decision over Bakary Samake. He also boasts a background in mixed martial arts (4-1 in pro MMA from 2016 to 2019) before committing fully to boxing. Hadribeaj gives up a massive 7.5 inches in height and significant reach. He has openly criticized past Fundora opponents for “running into his punches” and trying to match his height vanity-style rather than fighting smart. With only 8 knockouts in 23 wins (roughly 35% KO rate), Hadribeaj is not viewed as a one-punch terror. To pull off the upset, he will need supreme discipline, clean counter-accuracy, and body-work to disrupt Fundora’s relentless rhythm.
Most analysts view Fundora as a heavy favorite. Hadribeaj’s undefeated record and southpaw stance make him a respectable mandatory challenger, but overcoming Fundora’s volume, length, and durability inside the pocket requires a near-flawless tactical performance. Hadribeaj will need to be perfect 100 percent of the fight, he will be in danger on the inside as well as on the outside with Fundora’s insane reach. This fight will definitely be an exciting war so make sure you tune in come fight night to witness this battle!
