Golden Boy Promotions joined forces with Sampson Boxing, trumpeting a co-promotional spectacle for the ring’s rising star, 21-year-old IBF Female Flyweight World Champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (12-0, 5 KOs). This young gladiator, brimming with confidence and fists ready to fly, is slated to put her IBF crown on the line against Christina Cruz. This electrifying showdown will unfold under the glaring lights of the DAZN broadcast, setting the stage for Jaime Munguia vs. John Ryder on the frosty evening of Saturday, January 27.
Gabriela Fundora, a blend of steel and grace, confidently remarked, “I’m locked and loaded for my inaugural title defense. I feel invincible, and I’m ready to trounce Christina Cruz.” She added with a smirk, “Sure, Cruz can throw a punch, but I’m in the business of forging a legacy, and I’m not about to let anyone derail my train.”
Oscar De La Hoya, the head honcho at Golden Boy Promotions, couldn’t contain his excitement. “Gabriela’s October brawl left us gobsmacked! We’re over the moon to have such a phenomenal world champ under our banner,” he exclaimed. “At the tender age of 21, she’s got the world at her feet, and I’m betting my bottom dollar she’ll unleash a whirlwind in Phoenix come January 27.”
Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing chimed in, “Gabriela Fundora is a dynamo, tirelessly honing her craft in the gym to chase her dreams. Winning that title has only sharpened her edge, and that spells trouble for Christina Cruz. We’re all on the edge of our seats, waiting for ‘Sweet Poison’ to dazzle us once again.”
Fundora, a youthful titan among female world champions, has been a revelation. At only 21, she’s captivated fans and critics alike. Her last stand in Southern California on October 21, 2023, at the Kia Forum, was nothing short of spectacular, as she toppled veteran champ Arely Muciño to snatch the IBF title. Hailing from the respected boxing lineage of the Coachella Valley, Fundora entered the ring at six and turned pro in 2021, trouncing Jazmin Valverde. She then claimed the WBC Latino Flyweight title against Naomi Arellano Reyes and the WBC Youth World Fly Tania Garcia Hernandez, solidifying her place as a force to be reckoned with.