Stephen Fulton Aims for Legacy with Title Rematch Against Brandon Figueroa
Stephen Fulton Jr. is on the brink of a significant career moment as he prepares to face off against Brandon Figueroa once again. This Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Fulton, a former unified super bantamweight champion, will step into the ring with the WBC featherweight world title on the line.
A Look Back at Their First Encounter
The last clash between these two fighters took place in November 2021, where Fulton emerged victorious by a narrow majority decision. That match showcased Fulton’s precision and technique, even as Figueroa displayed relentless aggression and a higher volume of punches. Now, Fulton (22-1, 8 KOs) aims to solidify his legacy by adding a second championship title to his name in a different weight class.
Fulton’s Journey Post-Defeat
Fulton’s journey has not been without its setbacks. July 2023 marked his first professional loss, a crushing eighth-round TKO against Naoya Inoue in a high-stakes super bantamweight unification bout in Tokyo. However, after a 14-month hiatus, he made a successful return to the ring, securing a split-decision victory over Carlos Castro last September.
“It’s giving me another opportunity to become world champion,” Fulton expressed in an interview. “Winning a title in a second weight division would mean a lot to me. It’s about building my legacy.”
Mindset Heading into the Fight
As the matchup approaches, Figueroa (25-1-1, 19 KOs) has openly stated his desire to knock Fulton out, seeking redemption for his sole loss. However, Fulton views this strategy as a potential misstep. “He’s revealing his game plan,” Fulton remarked. “I expect him to fight as he always does, and if that’s the case, I anticipate the outcome will be the same.”
Lessons Learned
Fulton has embraced the lessons learned from his defeat to Inoue, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and dedication. “Listening to myself has been crucial,” he shared, noting that he felt he could have trained harder leading up to that fight. “It was a valuable experience that has shaped my approach moving forward.”
Embracing the Underdog Role
Despite being labeled an underdog by many Vegas oddsmakers, Fulton remains unfazed. “At this stage in my life and career, I don’t let that stuff bother me,” he stated. “I’m a changed person, and I focus on my own motivation rather than what others think.”
His determination is further fueled by support from fellow Philadelphians, including former world champion Danny Garcia and Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown, who are both aiming for championship glory in their respective fields.
The Road Ahead
For Fulton, the immediate goal is clear: secure a victory over Figueroa. “The main objective is to get the job done,” he asserted. “Once that’s achieved, we can talk about what comes next.” His focus is unwavering as he prepares for a fight that could redefine his career and expand his legacy in the boxing world.
