Fundora On Course To Return

WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora is on course to make his return in September or October.

In March, Fundora retained his title with a sixth-round stoppage of Keith Thurman — a result that carried historical weight. Thurman had never been stopped before in a professional career that included wins over some of the best welterweights of the past decade. Fundora became the first man to end his night early, and the performance underlined just how far the 24-1-1 has developed as a fighter.

The most natural route to a unification runs through the winner of Xander Zayas versus Jaron Ennis, scheduled for June 27. Both fighters are unbeaten, both are considered among the best in the division, and whoever comes out of that fight will immediately become the most compelling opponent available for Fundora.

IBF champion Josh Kelly represents a second option and a fight that could be made without waiting on the outcome of another contest. Kelly has established himself as a credible champion, and a Fundora matchup would have legitimate stakes on both sides.

The third name on the list is Vergil Ortiz Jr., though that option comes with complications attached. Ortiz's career is currently in limbo due to an ongoing legal dispute with Golden Boy Promotions and Oscar De La Hoya. Until that situation is resolved, he cannot take fights.