{
  "id": 15344012,
  "title": "Fundora knocks out Hadribeaj to retain WBC superwelter crown",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/fundora-knocks-out-hadribeaj-to-retain-wbc-superwelter-crown",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T04:06:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/10/1558101/fundora-knocks-out-hadribeaj-retain-wbc-superwelter-crown"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "LAS VEGAS: Sebastian Fundora defeated Ermal Hadribeaj with a final-round knockout to retain his World Boxing Council super welterweight crown in Las Vegas on Saturday.",
  "key_points": [
    "Sebastian Fundora defeats Ermal Hadribeaj via knockout in 12th round",
    "Fundora's height and reach give him advantage in 6ft 6in bout",
    "Fundora improves record to 25-1-1 (17 knockouts)"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Fundora's ability to overcome early aggression and use his physical advantages cements his dominance in the super welterweight division while proving that his reach remains a decisive factor in championship bouts.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Fundora stops Hadribeaj in final second, keeps undisputed title hopes alive",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/fundora-stops-hadribeaj-in-final-second-keeps-undisputed-title-hopes",
        "published": "2026-10-18T04:13:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}