WBC super-bantamweight champion Brandon Figueroa has tested positive for Covid-19 forcing the cancellation of the Texan’s unification clash with WBO king Stephen Fulton in Las Vegas on September 18.
The unbeaten Figueroa announced the news on his Instagram account just as training camp wound down ahead of the most meaningful fight of his career to date. The entire Showtime card will now be rescheduled to a later date.
“I’ve worked so hard for this fight and was so close to finishing camp strong but unfortunately there was nothing more I could’ve done,” said Figueroa (22-0-1, 17 KOs).
“I tried to let it pass and still manage to fight but I wasn’t feeling too well and especially being the last two weeks leading to my fight which are the most crucial.
“I just want to say thank you to all my fans and supporters, this is a fight I don’t want to let slip and I will come back stronger than ever. For the meantime, I’m gonna continue and try to maintain myself in fight shape as my next fight date will be announced soon.
“I got to look after my health but my fighting spirit will never leave. Those of you that know Team Figueroa know that we never back down from a fight.
Fulton (19-0, 8 KOs) has been here before. The Philadelphian stylist also had to pull out of his WBO title challenge last year after contracting Covid-19 before returning to win the belt against Angelo Leo on points in January. He expressed his empathy for Figueroa on Twitter whilst suggesting the fight could be rearranged for next month.
“Prayers out to Brandon hope he recover[s], I did everything great on my end. Testing, sparing partners and coaches, even isolating myself from my family and friends for months,” tweeted Fulton.
“Of course, I am upset but I have been here before, I’ll be even stronger come October. Never make me mad!!!”