Stephen Fulton joined Murodjon Akhmadaliev as a unified super-bantamweight champion after beating Brandon Figueroa in Las Vegas last night.
The anticipation for their 122lb match-up built as the fight drew nearer and the fight met the fans expectations in a thrilling encounter. Despite Figueroa’s post-fight claims of the result being a robbery Fulton was rewarded for his accurate efforts to become the WBO and WBC champion after a majority decision verdict.
There was a pattern to the fight from early on which led with Figueroa pressing forward forcing Fulton to think on his feet in split seconds to land crisp shots on the back foot and on the ropes. Whatever the Philadelphian was landing did not deter the relentless challenge of the Texan who threw the kitchen sink at any opportunity.
It was a tight affair throughout with Figueroa attempting to rock Fulton with long lefts and rights as well as body shots. While Fulton would land eye catching uppercuts and a more varied arsenal as the fight wore on. Fulton appeared in trouble in the 10th round when caught by a left hook but reset himself to go back to what he was doing successfully before that alarming moment.
Jim Gray’s post fight interview for Showtime appeared to set up a rematch between both men. That was countered when Figueroa gathered himself to confirm that he would be moving up to featherweight. For Fulton his quest to become undisputed is nearing its conclusion. All that stands in his way is Murodjon Akhmadaliev.
Main image: Showtime Boxing