Fundora Targets Ortiz Jr.
WBC Junior Middleweight Champion Sebastian Fundora has thrown his hat in the ring for a fight against Vergil Ortiz Jr.
Fundora named Canelo Alvarez’s “Mexico vs. The World” card on September 12 as a slot for a co-main event fight. It would be a fight to crown the best in the division with the vacant Ring Magazine Junior Middleweight Title on the line.
Ortiz currently holds the top spot in The Ring’s divisional rankings, with Fundora sitting directly beneath him at 2. While Fundora has been quiet about Ortiz in the past, the lure of a massive Pay-Per-View platform alongside Canelo has shifted his focus. Before any plans for September can be finalized, Fundora must navigate the following obstacles.
The Obstacles
| Feature | Sebastian Fundora | Vergil Ortiz Jr. |
| Rank (The Ring) | #2 | #1 |
| Immediate Task | vs. Keith Thurman (March 28) | Legal Settlement / Training |
| Dream Date | Sept 12 (Canelo Undercard) | Sept 12 (Canelo Undercard) |
| What’s at Stake | WBC Title & Ring Magazine Belt | Ring Magazine Belt |
The fight also hinges on Ortiz resolving his ongoing legal disputes with his current promoters. Ortiz attempted to leave his contract with Golden Boy, while a judge granted a temporary restraining order against him, meaning he cannot sign any deals without Golden Boy’s consent. That prevented any Jaron Ennis fight.
On March 28, 2026, Fundora also defends his WBC title against Keith Thurman. Fundora cannot afford a slip-up if he wants to secure the Ortiz mega-fight. Fundora’s height continues to make his weight cuts a primary talking point. However, the champion insists he is “stronger than ever.”
“It would be great to fight on the Canelo card. I’ll be ready to fight again in September after the Thurman fight. I’ll fight Vergil. I’m expecting the best Keith Thurman, but this is a new era. I’m beating him down,” Fundora said
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