WBO super-bantamweight champion Stephen Fulton believes he will prove to be too intelligent for WBC king Brandon Figueroa when they unify at the Park Theater, Las Vegas on Saturday night.
Fulton won his WBO title with a comprehensive unanimous decision win over Angelo Leo in January, and believes he will now go one better by outsmarting the also-unbeaten Figueroa this weekend.
“When I fought out in Nevada during the amateurs, I knew I would be back here fighting in Las Vegas one day as a pro,” Fulton said. “This has a totally different feel to it but I’m just focused on getting the job done and winning.
“I feel like this is what I’m supposed to be doing right now. I’m here for a reason. I’m not going to let the bright lights get to me. I was made for this and I take that mindset into the ring.
“Once I turned pro, I was on the path to becoming world champion. I’ve won a world title in the division I turned pro in, and now I’m unifying in my first fight as champion. I want to keep pushing forward and become undisputed at this weight class.
“My ability to adjust and outthink Figueroa is going to be the difference. That’s not to mention my speed and underrated power. I know Figueroa is going to throw a lot of punches, but I’m going to make him miss and capitalise on his mistakes.
“Everyone has a different path and for me that’s been taking dangerous fights against undefeated opponents. That’s made me a better fighter. Maybe I shouldn’t have taken some of those fights, but now I’ve got this resume that can stack up against anybody.”