Al Bernstein Calls Out Thurman vs. Fundora: Business Move, Not Boxing Merit

Veteran boxing analyst Al Bernstein isn’t thrilled about Keith Thurman landing a world title opportunity against WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora on October 25th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Bernstein Raises Concerns

Bernstein, who has been one of boxing’s most respected voices since the 1980s, made it clear he feels Thurman hasn’t earned this shot at 154 pounds. The 36-year-old former welterweight champion has fought just once in the division, a third-round knockout win over Brock Jarvis earlier this year in Sydney. That victory vaulted him to the #8 WBC ranking, but Bernstein believes more active contenders deserved the chance.

“Fundora is defending his 154-lb title against Thurman, who has had only one fight at 154 lbs. He’s had long stretches of inactivity over the years, and he’s 36,” Bernstein said on the Salita Promotions channel. “This match rankles me. There are a number of good 154-pounders who could get this title shot.”

Business vs. Merit

From a business standpoint, it’s easy to see why Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) went with Thurman. The Florida native has proven pay-per-view drawing power, having headlined successful cards against Shawn Porter (2016), Danny Garcia (2017), Manny Pacquiao (2019), and Mario Barrios (2022). With Fundora headlining on Prime Video PPV, a recognizable opponent like Thurman adds marketability.

Still, Bernstein argues that matchmaking should reflect merit. Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs), known as “The Towering Inferno,” has faced a grueling lineup over the past few years — including Tim Tszyu (twice), Erickson Lubin, Brian Mendoza, Sergio Garcia, and Carlos Ocampo. His only setback was a stunning knockout loss to Mendoza in April 2023, despite leading on all three scorecards at the time.

To Bernstein, handing Thurman a shot after years of inactivity and a single bout at 154 sends the wrong message to the fighters grinding in the division.

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This fight highlights the constant tug-of-war in boxing between business and meritocracy. On one hand, PBC needs proven names to anchor a pay-per-view card — and Keith Thurman has that star power. On the other, Al Bernstein makes a valid point: the 154-pound division is loaded with talented contenders who have put in the work and arguably deserve this opportunity more.

In the end, boxing fans may get a thrilling matchup — Thurman’s experience and Fundora’s relentless style could produce fireworks. But from a purist’s perspective, it feels like another example of star power trumping merit in today’s boxing landscape.