Full Breakdown
High-Stakes Showdowns Set for Fundora vs. Thurman Pay-Per-View Event
2/17/2026, 11:35:57 PM
Overview of the Event
On March 28, 2025, the MGM Grand in Las Vegas will host a significant boxing event featuring a main bout between WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora and former unified champion Keith Thurman. This Pay-Per-View event, available on Prime Video, will also showcase three pivotal undercard matchups, including a highly anticipated heavyweight clash between Frank "The Cuban Flash" Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jr.
Heavyweight Title Implications: Sanchez vs. Torrez
The co-main event will see Frank Sanchez (25-1, 18 KOs) face Richard Torrez Jr. (14-0, 12 KOs) in an IBF Heavyweight Title Final Eliminator. Sanchez, a Cuban fighter based in Miami, aims to reclaim his position in the heavyweight rankings after a setback against Agit Kabayel in May 2024. He expressed his determination, stating, “A victory on March 28 moves me one step closer to being the IBF’s mandatory challenger and realizing my dream of becoming the first Cuban heavyweight champion of the world.” Torrez, a 2020 U.S. Olympic silver medalist, is eager to prove himself against Sanchez, emphasizing, “Great fighters don’t avoid tests; they run toward them.”
Middleweight Showdown: Hernandez vs. Gausha
In another key matchup, unbeaten middleweight Yoenli Hernandez (9-0, 8 KOs) will take on veteran Terrell Gausha (24-5-1, 12 KOs). Hernandez, ranked highly across multiple organizations, is looking to solidify his status as a contender for middleweight titles. He stated, “I’m extremely grateful for another opportunity to showcase my talents... I’m coming to make a statement.” Gausha, a seasoned fighter, aims to leverage his experience, asserting, “Beating him will get me close to my goal of becoming world champion.”
Rising Star: Garcia vs. Newman
The opening bout of the Pay-Per-View will feature Elijah Garcia (17-1, 13 KOs) making his super middleweight debut against Kevin Newman II (18-3-1, 11 KOs). Garcia, a young prospect from Arizona, is looking to rebound from a split-decision win against Gausha and make a statement in his new weight class. He remarked, “This is a big opportunity to make a statement at super middleweight, and I’m gonna make the most of it.” Newman, on a seven-fight winning streak, is eager to showcase his skills, stating, “I’m coming to put on a dominant performance from start to finish.”
Official Statements & Responses
Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions, highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “Frank Sanchez has long established himself as a threat to anyone at heavyweight... with the winners putting themselves in position for world title glory.” The event promises to deliver high-stakes matchups that could shape the future of several fighters' careers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the event is set for March 28, 2025, there are no conflicting reports regarding the matchups or the fighters' readiness. All sources agree on the significance of the bouts and the implications for the winners.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A victory on March 28 moves me one step closer to being the IBF’s mandatory challenger and realizing my dream of becoming the first Cuban heavyweight champion of the world,” — Frank Sanchez
- “Great fighters don’t avoid tests; they run toward them.” — Richard Torrez Jr.
- “I’m extremely grateful for another opportunity to showcase my talents,” — Yoenli Hernandez
- “Beating him will get me close to my goal of becoming world champion.” — Terrell Gausha
- “This is a big opportunity to make a statement at super middleweight, and I’m gonna make the most of it.” — Elijah Garcia
- “I’m looking forward to getting into the ring on March 28 and showcasing my skills. I’m coming to put on a dominant performance from start to finish.” — Kevin Newman II
