Undefeated super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and former title challenger Carlos Ocampo previewed their showdown for Fundora’s interim WBC super welterweight title during a virtual press conference Wednesday before meeting at live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, October 8 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast will see top middleweights Carlos Adames and Juan Macias Montiel square off for the interim WBC middleweight title in the main event, while IBF junior bantamweight world champion Fernando Martinez, will face former champion Jerwin Ancajas in a highly anticipated 12-round rematch to open the telecast at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at axs.com.
Fundora, one of the most exciting fighters in the sport, returns to the ring after emerging victorious in an instant Fight of the Year contender in April on SHOWTIME, when he got up off the canvas to stop the hard-hitting Erickson Lubin.
He will look to cement his status at 154 pounds against Mexican contender Carlos Ocampo, who has won 12 straight since a 2018 loss to unified welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr.
This is what the fighters had to say on Wednesday:
SEBASTIAN FOUNDER
“I’m so excited. I was in the main event last time, but this time I’m really the headliner and I’m even more excited to show it off in front of my fans in Southern California. I’m ready to fight.
“I showed the fans what I was made of in my last fight. It wasn’t really what I learned. My goal was to show myself and what I am capable of for the fans. I really wanted to show who I am in this division. I am serious about becoming world champion.
“I think Ocampo is a strong Mexican boxer like me, so of course he is going to come for it. This is the perfect fight not only for Southern California fans, but for everyone who watches it.
“I am used to fighting there before on the spot. If you’re not acting, fans will tell you right away. They will fight in the stands themselves. It’s a good crowd and I’m excited to put on a show.
“Before I got knocked down against Lubin, that round was all I felt. I took a good hit, got down on my knees and just needed to get my energy back. The round immediately after that was me again.
“I can fight anywhere. I can fight in my backyard, it’s the same for me. I’m there to focus on the fight itself and putting on a great show for everyone.
“I want to fight for the title and I feel like I deserve it. I am the WBC mandatory and of course I have to get past Ocampo first. But our goal is to fight for the title.
“I have been ready for the title, but we have to keep busy. I have to put up with tough fights like this to keep growing. Ocampo is a ranked fighter and he will help me get to where I want to be.
“When it comes to the ring I feel like Mexican blood comes out of me. I am learning more about the Mexican culture and I am excited to face another Mexican fighter. Two Mexicans headlining SHOWTIME is great for Southern California.
“I’m just focused on my career, not what the champion is doing. I know it will fix itself. We want to keep fighting and stay busy so that when the challenge comes, we can take it on without a hitch.
“We have been watching Ocampo and we have noticed that he has had a long winning streak. Of course we are not going to let it continue. We know that he will bring it and we hope that we can give the fans another great fight.”
CARLOS OCAMPO
“I feel great and I feel ready. I have a lot of confidence in the training camp that I have had in this fight. I am in great shape and ready to step into the ring.
“I thought Sebastian put up a very good fight against Lubin. It was a dynamic and entertaining fight. I enjoyed watching it for sure. But I think he fits very well with my style. With two Mexican fighters inside the ring, you are going to see fireworks.
“We are both fighters who like to get inside and we are not afraid to trade and fight. We give the fans what they want and I know they will be happy with what they see on October 8th.
“I want to show people that I am hungrier than ever. I am here to win the title and I am going after it with all my might. I want to take that title and bring it back to Mexico where it belongs.
“I made a rookie mistake in the Spence fight. I got careless at the end of the first round and I promise it won’t happen again. I’m making progress, but I’ve become a better fighter because of it.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I need to be more cerebral and that I have to think things through more. I learned that being careless for a second can cost me. It was a hard lesson to learn, but I won’t make the same mistake again.
“I just work hard and keep my mind on one thing. That is the world title. It’s my obsession and it’s what I want more than anything in the world.
“I definitely feel underrated. It’s funny how a mistake from four years ago can shape people’s perception of me. I am a completely different person and you will see how much I have matured both physically and mentally. We are going to give you a great fight that you will not want to miss.
“Being an underdog definitely motivates me and everyone is going to see how well I have trained for this fight. My whole focus is on October 8th and I haven’t thought about anything that might happen after that.
“This is going to be a spectacular card from top to bottom. You are going to see big clashes and a real war in the main event. Make sure to tune in.
“I feel stronger and faster at super welterweight. This peso fits me like a glove and I will show you all why on October 8.”
