Fundora vs Hadribeaj Odds, Picks, Predictions

Las Vegas, NV — 6’6″ WBC super welterweight Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will be back in action Saturday against top-15 contender Ermal “The Albanian Sniper” Hadribeaj.

Fundora vs Hadribeaj odds opened with Fundora at -650, but with a tidal wave of cash being poured in on Fundora, the boxing odds currently sit at -1400. Fundora (24-1-1, 16 KOs) most recently blew away big-punching, top-10 contender Keith Thurman via sixth-round stoppage as a -450 favorite.

The Miami-based southpaw Hadribeaj (23-0-1, 8 KOs) handed top-20 contender Bakary Samake the first loss of his career with a close decision win as a +200 underdog.

Can Fundora get the tough Albanian out of there before the eighth round? Will Hadribeaj’s awkward style give Fundora issues? ESPN2News gives its boxing predictions for this WBC title bout from Sin City.

Sebastian Fundora Scouting Report

Fundora, 28, is ripped to the core and must have hollow bones to make the 154-lb. limit at 6’6″. With the ability to box at range or get nasty in the trenches, Fundora is a nightmare kind of opponent who gives trainers fits as they try to figure out a game plan.

While not a one-punch knockout guy, the southpaw skyscraper is heavy-handed and wears down opponents with an accumulation of punches to both the head and body. Early in his career, Fundora neglected to make use of his 82″ reach, but in recent bouts, he has evolved into more of an outside fighter who is very difficult to nail.

Former champion Tim Tszyu remarked that Fundora was so rangy that, at times, he felt like he was “shadowboxing by himself.” In Fundora’s lone defeat, he was exchanging punches toe-to-toe with a heavy hitter in Brian Mendoza and got knocked out. Since the Mendoza loss 3 1/2 years ago, he has remained disciplined and less careless in his approach.

Ermal Hadribeaj Scouting Report

The 5’9″ lefty Hadribeaj, 32, might have his physical strength at 154 lbs. as his best asset. In over 180 rounds of professional fisticuffs, the undefeated contender has never touched the canvas. Extreme awkwardness is also something that gives him an edge.With a southpaw style that defies all conventional technique, he is a difficult guy to prepare for.

The fundamental flaws he displays, however, could be his undoing. The list is long, but his lack of a jab, tendency to push punches, and habit of pulling back from punches with his hands down could expose him against a world-beater like Fundora.

When it comes to boxing, what works for some guys may not work for others, and while Ermal’s quality of opposition may be spotty, he has never been beaten or dropped.

Boxing Predictions

Even though Hadribeaj is being given little respect by the bookies, there is a strong possibility that the WBC champ could be overlooking the obscure Albanian contender. While Fundora has been saying all the right things, sometimes it’s tough to get “up” for an opponent who is supposed to be a pushover.

“The Albanian Sniper” may not fight “by the book,” but thus far, it has worked for him. Throw a modest one-unit flyer on this fight making it past the eighth frame.

Boxing Picks: Over 7.5 Rounds -110 boxing odds