Sampson Lewkowicz says Fundora will honor his WBC mandatory against Ermal Hadribeaj, pushing a potential three-belt unification with Ennis into 2027
Jaron “Boots” Ennis’ hopes of facing Sebastian Fundora next have suffered a major setback after promoter Sampson Lewkowicz confirmed the WBC champion will first defend his title against mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj. The decision pushes a potential three-belt unification beyond this year unless the WBC grants an exception.
Speaking to BoxingScene, Lewkowicz said, “Sebastian Fundora will comply with the WBC and face his No. 1 mandatory next. A fight with Ennis could happen, but some time next year.”
“Sebastian Fundora will comply with the WBC and face his No. 1 mandatory next,” Lewkowicz said. “A fight with Ennis could happen, but some time next year.”
The comments represent a setback for fans hoping to see one of the biggest fights available at 154 pounds. Reports surfaced just days ago that discussions were underway for Fundora and Ennis to meet in a three-belt unification bout targeted for November or December following Ennis’ victory over Xander Zayas.
Instead, Lewkowicz says Fundora’s immediate focus is Hadribeaj (23-0-1, 8 KOs), who secured the WBC mandatory position by defeating Bakary Samake by unanimous decision in May to capture the WBC Silver junior middleweight title.
Fundora (24-1-1, 16 KOs) has won his last four fights since suffering the only defeat of his career to Brian Mendoza in 2023. During that run, he captured the WBC title against Tim Tszyu before defending it against Chordale Booker, Tszyu in a rematch, and, most recently, stopping former unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman in six rounds in March.
Ennis appeared to be on a collision course with Fundora after stopping Xander Zayas on Saturday night to add the WBO junior middleweight title to the WBA belt he already owned. A victory over Fundora would have given Ennis the opportunity to move within one belt of becoming the undisputed champion.
Lewkowicz insists Fundora’s mandatory obligation takes priority. Unless the WBC grants an exception or the parties reach another agreement, Ennis may have to look elsewhere for his next opponent while Fundora prepares to defend his title against Hadribeaj later this year.