Gabriela Fundora continues to make her own way in professional boxing. The young American champion kept her unbeaten record and successfully defended her undisputed flyweight titles by defeating Mexico’s Marilyn Badillo by technical knockout in the seventh round, during the main fight held at the Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California. At just 23 years of age, Fundora continues to prove that there is no opponent who can stop her.
Fundora’s dominance was absolute from the opening bell. Using her remarkable reach and height advantage, she managed the distance with intelligence and constant punishment. Badillo tried at times to respond bravely and with counterpunches, but was outpaced in rhythm, accuracy and power. The champion imposed conditions and, after a flurry of punches in the seventh round, forced her opponent to kneel, at which point the Mexican chose not to continue.
Fundora, owner of the ring and her legacy
Gabriela’s strategy was clear: keep her opponent at bay with the jab and punish with quick combinations. From the first round, the southpaw began to make a difference with her powerful left hand, while Badillo, faithful to the tradition of Mexican boxing, stood firm looking to get into short distance to do damage. However, each attempt was met with precision by the champion.
The fourth round was perhaps the only time Badillo seemed to find some rhythm, landing some blows to Fundora’s face. But her resistance began to wane as the minutes went by. The sixth round was the breaking point: combinations of up to four unanswered punches eventually wore down the challenger, who still refused to give up early.
Technical knockout and a bright future
It was in the seventh round when it all ended. Fundora took Badillo against the ropes and landed a series of direct blows to the face that forced the Mexican to kneel. Although the referee started the count, it was Badillo herself who indicated that she could not continue. It was a sensible decision in the face of the champion’s overwhelming dominance.
With this victory, Gabriela Fundora improved her professional record to 16-0, with eight wins by knockout, and is consolidating herself as one of the most dominant figures in women’s boxing today.
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