Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona - Still undefeated IBF flyweight world champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (13-0, 6 KOs) of Coachella Valley, California successfully defended her title in a 10-round combat against Christina Cruz (6-1, 0 KOs) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Co-promoted with Sampson Boxing, the IBF champ was cautious against the seasoned Cruz, ultimately heating up in the later rounds. The referee stopped the fight at 0:59 in the final round.

Cruz did well in the early rounds and used her boxing ability. A highly regarded amateur with a big advantage in experience in the unpaid ranks, Cruz used those skills to box around the much bigger Fundora.

In the second half of the fight, Fundora use her pressure and power to break Cruz down.

In the tenth and final round, Fundora landed a shot on Cruz, who turned her back, bent over and began to walk away with her hands over her head. That unexpected move prompted the referee to jump in and wave off the fight. 

Cruz protested the stoppage, but Fundora saw nothing wrong with the referee's decision.

“Christina Cruz is a good fighter and I’m glad she stepped up to the plate because a lot of boxers don't do that,” said Fundora.

“She’s an amazing boxer and when I was younger, I looked up to her because she was an Olympian - I even had a picture of her on my bedroom wall. It was a privilege to share the ring with her tonight and I’m glad the referee stopped the fight when he did - she had turned her body around indicating that she no longer wanted to fight.”