It almost feels like the weight of the world has been taken off Chordale Booker’s shoulders.
For the 33-year-old, he normally walks into the ring feeling an immense amount of pressure. He’s always determined to put on terrific performances and knows that one small hiccup, like the one he had back in 2022, can lead to a dreadful interpretation of skills. This time around, however, he’s been strolling around stress-free.
On Saturday night, at the Michelob Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Booker will stand across from the tall and lanky Sebastian Fundora. If you asked fans, media pundits, fighters, so-called experts, and maybe some people associated with Booker’s camp, they’ll tell you that Fundora should dominate. Considering that most are betting against him, Booker is marching into their showdown feeling like he has nothing to lose.
“There’s no pressure,” said Booker to a group of reporters. “I’m sure everybody thinks I’m gonna lose. Everybody thinks I’m a get knocked out.”
Booker’s sentiments aren’t exaggerated. When he was asked to step up to the plate against Austin Williams, he was brutally stopped in the very first round. Although he’s bounced back nicely since then, winning six straight, Fundora has been on a more impressive run.
Outside of his lone blemish against Brian Mendoza, Fundora has been practically unbeatable, beating the likes of Erickson Lubin, Sergio Garcia, and Tim Tszyu, the latter resulting in a unified junior middleweight title reign.
For Fundora, he’s proud to have both the WBO and WBC titles in his possession but he wants to end the controversy surrounding his Tszyu fight. During their showdown, Tszyu was accidentally cut over the top of the head thanks to an errant Fundora elbow.
As blood gushed down his face, Fundora took full advantage. Although it was a freak accident and unlikely to take place again, Booker isn’t worried in the slightest. While most aren’t giving him a chance, he can’t wait to prove everyone wrong.
“I’m a shock the world.”