Sebastian Fundora and Keith Thurman come to their March 28 fight from very different backgrounds, and the differences start long before they enter the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Fundora prepares away from bright lights and cameras. The champion trains with his father in the mountains above Coachella, California, where winter weather turns even basic road work into hard work. During a recent session, Fundora described running in ankle-deep snow, a small detail that captured the tone of his camp.
The situation reinforces the way he talks about boxing. For Fundora, this game is not a short preparation for a single event but a year-round practice that accompanies daily behavior. Training continues whether a fight is on the calendar or not, and the schedule changes slightly from week to week.
The atmosphere surrounding the champion reflects that principle. Fundira’s personality often reflects the quiet environment in which he trains. While most fighters trade words during fight week, he approaches the build-up with a firm tone and little interest in verbal exchanges. Thurman’s words, Fundora explained, were “not good for TV,” a brief acknowledgment that promotion plays a big role in boxing even if he likes to stay out of the theater. He expects opponents to dislike him once the fight starts and accepts that tension as part of the job rather than personal.
Another piece of Fundora’s preparation is staying close to home. She works with her younger sister, Gabriela Fundora, who is the undisputed champion in her division. With Gabriela scheduled to fight a few weeks before defending her brother’s title, the two training sessions coincided. Sebastian said watching him compete provides an “IQ lesson,” an opportunity to see decisions made under pressure and consider how similar situations might play out in his fight. This program creates an unusual dynamic where both fighters sharpen their thinking by learning each other’s performance.
Keith Thurman brings a unique presence. The former joint champion built his reputation on his confidence and personality and striking ability, qualities that have helped elevate his welterweight title fights over the years. His comments during the build-up continue that pattern, adding vocal power to the motivation.
The fight will take place under the lights of Las Vegas, however the preparation behind it would not look very different. One fighter arrives from a camp in the mountains established by routine, family, and isolation, while the other carries the voice and artistry that have long accompanied his rise in the sport.
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Last updated on 2026/03/03 at 4:15 PM
