Fundora knocks out Hadribeaj to retain WBC superwelter crown

LAS VEGAS: Sebastian Fundora secured a final-round knockout victory over Ermal Hadribeaj to retain his World Boxing Council super welterweight title in Las Vegas on Saturday. Standing at 6ft 6in (1.98m), Fundora utilized his height and reach to dominate his Albanian rival in a grueling 12-round fight. The bout concluded with Fundora flooring Hadribeaj just before the final bell rang in the 12th round, thanks to a powerful left hand that sent the opponent to the canvas.

Earlier, Hadribeaj began the contest strongly with a series of stiff jabs in the first round, but Fundora took control in the second round with a left hand that left Hadribeaj on the defensive. Fundora continued to score regularly, prompting a point deduction for Hadribeaj in the third round for excessive holding. A flurry of Fundora's uppercuts in the fifth round put the California native in control, and he maintained the advantage throughout the closing rounds.

A point deduction for Hadribeaj's holding in the 11th round left him in need of a stoppage to have any chance of victory. However, Hadribeaj's aggressive tactics in the 12th round left him exposed, allowing Fundora to capitalize and knock out his opponent after just over 2 minutes and 59 seconds of the 12th round. Fundora's record improved to 25-1-1 (17 knockouts), while Hadribeaj's fell to 23-1-1.