In the fight game, they say styles make fights. But every once in a while, a fighter comes along who reminds us that heart, determination and an unwillingness to surrender can be just as important as talent. Ermal “The Albanian Sniper” Hadribeaj is that fighter.
A staggering 20-1 underdog, Hadribeaj came within one second of going the distance against ESPN News’ No. 7-ranked pound-for-pound fighter, Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora, in what was arguably the toughest test of the WBC Jr. Middleweight champion’s career.
While many so-called boxing experts predicted Hadribeaj wouldn’t survive beyond three or four rounds, the rugged southpaw had other ideas. He took the fight to Fundora, fought his way into the champion’s kitchen and refused to be intimidated by one of boxing’s most imposing figures. For nearly 12 rounds, Hadribeaj gave Fundora everything he could handle before a controversial stoppage with just one second remaining in the final round denied him the opportunity to hear the final bell.
Some might call it a defeat. Others might call it a moral victory. But there was something undeniably Rocky-esque about Hadribeaj’s performance. Like the fictional Philadelphia fighter who refused to go down against an overwhelming favorite, the Albanian Sniper demonstrated that courage cannot be measured by betting odds.
When I sat down with the WBC’s No. 1 contender, we discussed where that remarkable fighting spirit comes from, what he would do differently in a potential rematch with Fundora, and the man behind the gloves. We also got a glimpse into Hadribeaj’s life outside the ring and discovered what makes this determined Albanian fighter tick.