Just a few hours ago, ESPN’s Mike Coppinger dropped a bombshell regarding the much-anticipated fight between unified Light Middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora and Errol Spence Jr. According to him, the fight is now off. Coppinger reported on X, “The Sebastian Fundora-Errol Spence title fight is now off, sources tell ESPN. Fundora, the unified junior middleweight champion, is now seeking a new opponent for the first defense of his two titles. The fight was originally planned for October and then was slated for March 29, 2025.” With the fight originally scheduled for last October but postponed to March 29, the untimely cancelation has shocked the boxing world. Now, the question remains—who will Fundora face next?

Multiple names have surfaced as fans and analysts scramble to speculate on potential replacements. Let’s explore who could be stepping into the ring with Fundora and what makes each of these matchups intriguing.

Sebastian Fundora not without options

In the wake of the cancelation, Sebastian Fundora has been handed three potential lifelines for his March 29, 2025 title defense. According to Coppinger himself, one of the fighters under consideration is Charles Conwell. He revealed, “Charles Conwell is one fighter being considered for the Fundora title shot, per sources.”

Conwell, an Olympian, is an undefeated boxer who has made quite a name for himself since turning pro in April 2017. Conwell’s perfect record and his three knockout victories last year have earned him a solid reputation as a promising contender. A fight between the Towering Inferno and the Detroit native would not only be a chance for Conwell to prove himself at the elite level fighter but also provide an exciting clash of styles.

Another name that’s been floated is Joseph Don Spencer. Sources close to Fundora’s team have revealed that they are now looking to make a fight with the 19-1 boxer. The same was reported by a boxing page on X: “‼️SEBASTIAN FUNDORA TO RETURN MARCH 29 ON AMAZON PRIME VIDEO. JOEY SPENCER BEING 1 OF THE POSSIBLE OPPONENTS‼️👀👀#Boxing 🥊🥊🥊🥊Credit:@pugboxing.”

While Spencer may not yet be ranked in the top 10, his record of 19-1 with 11 knockouts speaks volumes. One must not forget Spencer’s thrilling fifth-round KO victory over Janer Gonzalez in August 2024. His last victory over Miguel Angel Hernandez, also a knockout expert, proves how powerful of a fighter Spencer is. So a fight between these two might be an interesting one to watch.

Meanwhile, a third name has entered the fray. The former WBC Silver super welterweight Erikson Lubin has decided to challenge Fundora in light of the Spence Jr fight cancelation. Lubin took to X and posted, “We got unfinished business @SebastianFundo1.”

And the reason is that Lubin, who lost to Fundora in their April 9, 2022 bout in Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Las Vegas, is hungry for redemption. Although he bounced back with two victories in 2023, his loss to Fundora remains a key point of frustration for the former champion. Lubin’s quick pursuit of another chance to face Fundora speaks to his desire for revenge, and a rematch would likely be a fiery and competitive battle.

Now if you’re wondering why Errol Spence Jr. is not considered a viable opponent for Sebastian Fundora, here’s the explanation. Despite the initial excitement surrounding their potential showdown, several key factors made the fight impossible.

Errol Spence Jr. isn’t eligible for the fight because…

Earlier today, the President of the World Boxing Organization (WBO), Gustavo Olivierim, addressed this issue. According to Olivieri, “The WBO would not sanction Fundora/Spence due to the latter being (1) inactive for 1 year & 5 months; (2) a TKO loss in last bout; (3) not rated in 154 lbs., & 4) has never fought in 154 lbs. Ruling otherwise would be a disservice to the rest of the 154 world-rated contenders.”

Spence’s long absence from the ring, coupled with his 2023 loss and lack of a presence in the 154-lbs division’s rankings, made him an unsuitable challenger in the eyes of the WBO. While the fight against Errol Spence Jr. is off the table, it’s clear that Sebastian Fundora still has options ahead. Fans can expect an electrifying March 29, 2025 event, whether Fundora faces one of these fighters or someone else entirely.

What do you think? Which of the three lifelines would make for the most interesting fight against Fundora? Do you think Errol Spence Jr will ever make a return? Do share your thoughts below!