WBC featherweight titlist Brandon Figueroa and former unified champion Stephen Fulton will lock horns for their eagerly anticipated rematch at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, this Saturday.
The pair squared off in a thrilling encounter for the unified super bantamweight crown back in 2021, with Fulton, 22-1 (8 KOs), edging a somewhat contentious majority decision.
Nevertheless, their contrasting styles made for an enthralling battle that saw Figueroa, 25-1-1 (19 KOs), utilise his relentless aggression, while his slick opponent boxed fluidly on the backfoot.
But now, both fighters have seemingly made a series of changes ahead of their co-main event feature on the undercard of David Benavidez vs David Morrell.
Not only have they moved up to 126lbs but, according to esteemed coach Derek ‘Bozy’ Ennis, the two combatants have also added several new strings to their bows.
“You’re going to see a different Stephen Fulton,” Ennis told Boxing News. “You’re going to see movement; you’re going to see countering; you’re going to see catching.
“What I’ve been seeing from [Figueroa] is him boxing and moving – he’s not just coming forward. Once he gets hit, though, he’s going to go back to his old way.”
Fulton joined forces with ‘Bozy,’ the father and head trainer of IBF welterweight titlist Jaron Ennis, after his punishing eighth-round stoppage defeat to pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue in 2023.
Since then, ‘Cool Boy Steph’ has secured just one victory against Carlos Castro, producing a below par performance to edge a split decision after climbing off the canvas.
Figueroa, meanwhile, is typically known for his tremendous work rate which, at times, leaves him in a state of defensive vulnerability.
Instead of depending on his granite chin to absorb his opponents’ artillery, though, Ennis believes that the 28-year-old has become a more polished, well-rounded boxer.
Sure enough, his last outing against Jessie Magdaleno – ending with an emphatic ninth-round finish – would indicate that Figueroa’s versatility has come on leaps and bounds.
