Why Gabriela Fundora Won the 2024 Female Boxer of the Year Award from The Sporting News
Women’s Boxing: A Breakout Year
The year 2024 marked a surge in women’s boxing, with several standout stars and memorable fights. Battles like the rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano on Netflix garnered significant attention. Meanwhile, Claressa Shields made her mark by claiming an additional gold medal in her fourth weight class. Amidst all this, Gabriela Fundora emerged as the standout figure and was honoured as the 2024 Female Boxer of the Year.
Gabriela Fundora: A Unique Talent
At just 22 years old, Gabriela Fundora entered the boxing history books with an unbeaten record of 15-0. Not only is she a gifted fighter, but she has also become a sensation in women’s boxing. Fundora proved that she deserved the title of Female Boxer of the Year by consistently delivering impressive performances and displaying determination throughout her career.
An Unquestionable Gold Medal
Gabriela Fundora became the youngest fighter, male or female, to claim an unquestionable gold medal in the four-belt era. This accomplishment not only showcased her skill but also cemented Fundora’s position in the international boxing scene. Her success placed her among the elite names in women’s boxing, alongside legends like Katie Taylor and Claressa Shields.
At the end of 2023, Fundora earned an impressive win by defeating Arely Mucino to claim the IBF Flyweight Championship. This victory solidified her capabilities and set the stage for more successes in 2024. She successfully defended the title three times, each performance leaving a lasting impression.
The Battle Against Christina Cruz
One of Fundora’s most unforgettable fights was her clash with Christina Cruz in January. During this match, Fundora faced struggles in the first half but showed resilience. She adjusted her strategy and began delivering powerful punches from round six onward, ultimately defeating Cruz in a bout where the referee had to intervene. This victory highlighted Fundora’s patience and fighting spirit.
Facing Daniela Asenjo
After overcoming Christina Cruz, Fundora continued to assert her dominance with an undefeated match against Daniela Asenjo. With a height of 5’9″ and quick hands, she controlled the fight, putting pressure on Asenjo. Fundora maintained constant scoring and knocked down her opponent whenever an opportunity arose, displaying her exceptional skills.
The Decisive Battle With Gabriela Alaniz
In November, Fundora faced fellow countrywoman Gabriela Alaniz in a bout to determine the undisputed flyweight champion. Fundora displayed superior talent, landing a total of 112 punches, including 28 clean shots in the fourth round. Her courage and technique enabled her to secure a remarkable win.
A Historic Moment
In the seventh round, Fundora landed a powerful left hook that threw Alaniz off balance. Seizing the opportunity, she rushed in with a final decisive punch that knocked her opponent to the mat. After the match, Fundora expressed her joy, saying, “This is a dream come true, as I’ve made it a reality. My team and I have trained to make history, and we did it tonight.”
Boxing Runs in the Family
Boxing is more than just a passion for the Fundora family; it’s an integral part of their identity. Gabriela is the younger sister of Sebastian Fundora, a super welterweight champion holding the WBC and WBO titles. The siblings have always supported each other’s careers and have built their legacies in the boxing world together.
Impressive Achievements in 2024
Gabriela Fundora not only earned the Female Boxer of the Year title but also ended 2024 on a high with gold medals. She secured a spot in the record books with impressive statistics from her matches, ranking sixth in +/- at 9.8 and achieving the fifth-lowest punches thrown (8.1) per round. These numbers reinforce her excellence in both offence and defence.
Before her fight with Alaniz, Fundora confidently stated, “Do you know who the best is? A woman named Gabriela ‘Sweet Poison’ Fundora.” This confidence stems not only from her achievements but also from the unwavering support of her family and coaching team. Fundora is in excellent form and ready for upcoming challenges.
A Bright Future Ahead
Gabriela Fundora’s future is incredibly promising. She has expressed interest in moving down in weight to challenge big names like Jessica Nery Plata and Evelyn Bermudez. Additionally, Fundora may also consider moving up to the super flyweight division, opening new opportunities in her career.
The Resurgence of Women’s Boxing
Gabriela Fundora is one of the rare female boxers capable of making a huge impact on women’s boxing in a short time. Her success is not only a personal achievement but also a positive sign for the sport’s growth. Fundora has proven that female fighters can compete equally with their male counterparts, producing thrilling bouts.
Gabriela Fundora, Female Boxer of the Year 2024
With impressive achievements and persistent determination, Gabriela Fundora truly deserves the 2024 Female Boxer of the Year title from The Sporting News. She is not only a rising star in boxing but also a role model for young female fighters. Her combination of talent, determination, and family support has etched her name in the history of women’s boxing.
Boxing fans should stay tuned for Fundora’s upcoming fights. This is not only a chance to witness her talent but also to support the continued growth of women’s boxing. Fundora will remain a standout name in the boxing world, and fans should be ready for more impressive performances from her in the future.
