Stephen Fulton Jr (21-0, 8 KOs) is getting better and better.
The unified super bantamweight champion produced a 12-round masterclass against Danny Roman (29-4-1, 10 KOs) at The Armory, Minneapolis last night proving he is one of the best fighters in the world today.
Roman held two titles himself at 122lbs until he lost to Murodjon Akhmadaliev in January 2020. The Californian’s credentials gave everyone belief that he would give Fulton a real test and in turn play his part in a thrilling fight. However, the stark truth was that Roman never looked like beating the Philadelphian.
Fulton’s movement gave Roman problems throughout, his ability to get out of trouble in a split second must have been frustrating for the challenger but he stuck to the task. And although the 32-year-old never stopped trying his chances were taken away with each lightning ping from Fulton.
The 27-year-old was relaxed and the coolest customer in the venue. A slight slip in the fifth round had Fulton smiling and he even gave his trainer a playful dig on the chin later on. Fulton was having fun but was all business at the same time. And just when you thought the fight reached a stage of going through the motions the undefeated champion would switch on and little by little take the fight away from Roman.
A Golovkin style right hand connected frequently just when Roman started getting close. Fulton’s one-two would be timed so well during the 36 minutes, and his judgement of distance kept him in control and helped dictate everything that was going on.
Roman never looked in danger of being stopped or knocked out but worryingly for his rivals Fulton looked like he had much more to offer. In the end scores of 120-108 (twice) and 119-109 were correctly judged by the officials.
“I made a hell of a statement tonight. I told y’all I was going to make it easy,” said the victor.
Speaking to Showtime’s Brian Campbell Fulton made no bones about what he wanted next.
“You already know what’s next. I want M.J. I got to finish this up. But much respect for Danny Roman. Much respect.”
The defeated challenger was full of praise for the winner. “I think this fight proves who the best 122-pound fighter in the world is. Fulton did that tonight. He proved it.”
Fulton has two world titles, Akhmadaliev has two as well. The undisputed super bantamweight championship must be next for both.