Stephen Fulton (boxer)

Last updated
Stephen Fulton Jr.
Born (1994-07-17) July 17, 1994 (age 29)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Other namesCool Boy Steph
Scooter
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 6+1⁄2 in (169 cm) [1]
Reach70+1⁄2 in (179 cm) [1]
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record [2]
Total fights22
Wins21
Wins by KO8
Losses1
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
Golden Gloves
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg2013 Salt Lake CitySuper bantamweight

Stephen Fulton Jr. (born July 17, 1994) is an American professional boxer. He is a former unified super bantamweight world champion, having held the WBO and the WBC titles from 2021 to July 2023. He previously held the IBO super bantamweight title from 2019 to 2020. [3]

Contents

Professional career

Early career

Fulton made his professional debut against the journeyman Issac Badger on October 14, 2014. He won the fight by a second-round technical knockout. Immediately after this victory, Fulton signed with Premier Boxing Champions. Over the course of the following five years, Fulton amassed a 15–0 record with 6 stoppage victories. [4]

IBO super bantamweight champion

Fulton vs. Ambunda

Fulton was scheduled to challenge Paulus Ambunda for the IBO super bantamweight title on May 11, 2019, at the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, United States. [5] Fulton dominated throughout the bout and scored a knockdown over the Namibian champion in the eight round. Although Fulton was unable to finish his opponent, he won the fight by a wide unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 120–107 in his favor. [6]

Fulton vs. Avelar

Fulton moved up in weight for his next fight, as he was scheduled to face Isaac Avelar in a 124 lbs catchweight bout. The fight was set for August 24, 2019, at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas, United States. Fulton won the fight with a body shot in the sixth round of the ten round bout. [7] Fulton called for a title unification fight with either Brandon Figueroa or Daniel Roman in his post-fight interview, stating "...Figueroa does not want to fight me and if he does, he will get stopped in the mid rounds. If me and Danny Roman fight, it will be explosive but the same thing will happen, he will get stopped". [8]

WBO super bantamweight champion

Fulton vs. Khegai

Fulton was scheduled to face the unbeaten Arnold Khegai on January 25, 2020 at the Barclays Center in New York City, United States. The fight was for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental super bantamweight belt, as well as the status of the WBO super bantamweight mandatory title challenger. [9] Khegai took the center of the ring for the first four rounds, while Fulton remained passive and attempted to outfight. Fulton was more active from the fifth round onward, dictating the subsequent rounds. He won the fight by unanimous decision, with two judges awarding him a 117–111 scorecard, while the third judge scored the fight 116–112 in his favor. [10]

Fulton vs. Leo

His victory against Khegai earned Fulton the right to challenge the reigning WBO champion Emanuel Navarrete. However, on July 11, 2020, Navarrete vacated the super bantamweight title in order to move up to featherweight. [11] Fulton was scheduled to face Angelo Leo for the vacant WBO super bantamweight title on August 1, 2020. [12] On July 29, 2020, Fulton and two members of his team tested positive for COVID-19, forcing him to withdraw from the title fight. [13] Leo was rescheduled to face Tramaine Williams, whom he beat by unanimous decision. [14] On December 20, 2020, it was announced that Angelo Leo would make the first defense of his WBO super bantamweight title against Fulton. The fight was scheduled as the main event of a triple-header set for January 23, 2021, at the Park Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. [15] Leo appeared slower and less powerful than Fulton, who won almost every round of the bout. Fulton won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 118–110, 119–109 and 119–109. [16]

Unified super bantamweight champion

Fulton vs. Figueroa

Fulton was scheduled to face the WBC super bantamweight titlist Brandon Figueroa in a title unification bout on September 18, 2021, at the Park Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. The fight was originally set for September 11, but was pushed back a week, as PBC required a new main event following the negotiation breakdown between Canelo Alvarez and Caleb Plant. [17] The fight was once again postponed on September 8, as Figueroa tested positive for COVID-19. [18] The fight was rescheduled for November 27, 2021. [19] Fulton entered the bout as a -340 favorite to win the bout. [20] Fulton won by twelve rounds majority decision, with scores of 114-114 and two 116-112's for him. Figueroa out-landed Fulton 314 to 269 in total punches, although Fulton was the more accurate boxer, landing 37% of his punches to Figueroa's 29.6%. [21] The majority of media members scored the fight in Fulton's favor. [22] [23] [24]

Fulton vs. Roman

It was revealed on March 6, 2022, that Fulton would make his first title defense as a unified champion against Daniel Roman, who was at the time the WBC mandatory super bantamweight title challenger, as well as the No. 1 ranked WBO super bantamweight contender. [25] Fulton's first title defense as a unified champion headlined a Showtime broadcast card, which took place on 4 June 2022, at the Minneapolis Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota. [26] Fulton justified his role as the -550 betting favorite, [27] as he won the fight by a wide unanimous decision in front of a sold-out crowd of 4,695. Judges Mike Fitzgerald and Patrick Morley scored the fight 120–108 for Fulton, while judge Nathan Palmer awarded Fulton a 119–109 scorecard. He out-landed Roman 218 to 113 in total punches (with a 36% accuracy rate) and 112 to 68 in power punches (with a 46% accuracy rate). Fulton called out the WBA (Super) and IBF super bantamweight champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev in his post-fight interview, stating: "You already know what’s next. I want [Murodjon Akhmadaliev]. I got to finish this up". [28] [29]

Fulton vs. Inoue

On November 9, 2022, the WBC formally approved Fulton's petition to face Brandon Figueroa for the interim WBC featherweight championship. As the reigning featherweight champion Rey Vargas moved up in weight to contest the vacant super featherweight title, the interim title fight would have been promoted to undisputed, had Vargas stayed at a higher weight class. Fulton and Figueroa faced each other a year prior in a unified title bout, with Fulton winning by majority decision. [30] The fight was expected to take place on February 25, 2023, at the Minneapolis Armory in Central, Minneapolis. [31] On January 16, ESPN reported that Figueroa would instead face Mark Magsayo, as Fulton had entered into negotiations with the former three-division world champion Naoya Inoue. [32] The fight was expected to take place at the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan on May 7, 2023, and will be Fulton's first fight outside of the United States. [33] The fight was postponed on March 21, as Inoue suffered a fist injury during training camp. [34] The bout was rescheduled for July 25, 2023, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. [35] [36] Fulton lost the fight by an eighth-round technical knockout. [37]

Professional boxing record

22 fights21 wins1 loss
By knockout81
By decision130
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, TimeDateLocationNotes
22Loss21–1 Naoya Inoue TKO8 (12), 1:14 Jul 25, 2023 Ariake Arena, Tokyo, JapanLost WBC and WBO super bantamweight titles
21Win21–0 Daniel Roman UD12Jun 4, 2022 Minneapolis Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.Retained WBC and WBO super bantamweight titles
20Win20–0 Brandon Figueroa MD12Nov 27, 2021 Park MGM, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBO super bantamweight title;
Won WBC super bantamweight title
19Win19–0 Angelo Leo UD12Jan 23, 2021 Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, U.S.Won WBO super bantamweight title
18Win18–0Arnold KhegaiUD12Jan 25, 2020Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.Won vacant WBO Inter-Continental super bantamweight title
17Win17–0Isaac AvelarKO6 (10), 1:26Aug 24, 2019 Bert Ogden Arena, Edinburg, Texas, U.S.
16Win16–0 Paulus Ambunda UD12May 11, 2019 EagleBank Arena, Fairfax, Virginia, U.S.Won IBO super bantamweight title
15Win15–0Marlon OleaTKO5 (8), 1:41Jan 26, 2019 Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.
14Win14–0 Germán Meraz UD8Sep 30, 2018 Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario, California, U.S.
13Win13–0Jesus Antonio AhumadaTKO9 (10), 1:54Jun 16, 2018 Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, Texas, U.S.
12Win12–0Adam LopezMD8Dec 8, 2017 Park Racing & Casino, Hialeah, Florida, U.S.
11Win11–0Luis Saul RosarioUD8Apr 4, 2017Sands Event Center, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, U.S.
10Win10–0Christian RenteriaTKO3 (6), 1:38Jul 2, 2016 Santander Arena, Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S.
9Win9–0Adalberto Zorrilla DelRosaTKO4 (6), 1:37Apr 19, 2016Sands Event Center, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, U.S.
8Win8–0 Joshua Greer Jr. MD6Dec 29, 2015 Sands Event Center, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, U.S.
7Win7–0Sam RodriguezUD6Sep 19, 2015 Convocation Center, California, Pennsylvania, U.S.
6Win6–0Pablo CupulRTD3 (6), 3:00Jun 20, 2015 Casino Resort, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, U.S.
5Win5–0Jamal ParramKO3 (6), 1:33Apr 25, 2015Harrah's Philadelphia, Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
4Win4–0Eric GotayUD6Jan 31, 2015 2300 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
3Win3–0Benjamin BurgosUD4Dec 5, 2014 Harrah's Philadelphia, Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
2Win2–0Damen WoodUD4Nov 20, 2014 Sportsmen's Lodge, Studio City, California, U.S.
1Win1–0Issac BadgerTKO2 (4)Oct 14, 2014 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.

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References

  1. 1 2 Showtime Championship Boxing tale of the tape prior to the Brandon Figueroa fight.
  2. ↑ "Boxing record for Stephen Fulton Jr". BoxRec .
  3. ↑ Marketing, Intouch Interactive (13 May 2019). "Brave Ambunda bows to Fulton in the US - Sports - Namibian Sun". www.namibiansun.com.
  4. ↑ "Реинкарнация Бернарда Хопкинса в самом конкурентном дивизионе бокса". vringe.com. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  5. ↑ "Namibian Ambunda to defend IBO title against undefeated Fulton". xinhuanet.com. Archived from the original on May 10, 2019. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  6. ↑ Santoliquito, Joseph (12 May 2019). "Stephen Fulton scores biggest win yet, shuts out Paulus Ambunda on Hurd-Williams card". ringtv.com. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  7. ↑ Idec, Keith (24 August 2019). "Stephen Fulton Stops Isaac Avelar With Body Shot In 5th Round". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  8. ↑ "Philadephia's Stephen Fulton Jr wants unification after breaking down Isaac Avelar". ringsideboxingnews.com. 21 November 2019. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  9. ↑ "Стивен Фултон – Арнольд Хегай. Как это было". sport.ua. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  10. ↑ Christ, Scott (25 January 2020). "Garcia vs Redkach results: Stephen Fulton Jr wins WBO eliminator over Arnold Khegai". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  11. ↑ Boxing Social Staff (12 July 2020). "Navarrete vacates WBO 122lbs crown, implications for Conlan". boxing-social.com. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  12. ↑ Simpson, Bakari (9 July 2020). "Stephen Fulton v Angelo Leo Coming August 1! - 3KingsBoxing.com". 3kingsboxing.com. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  13. ↑ Muehlhausen, Steven (30 July 2020). "Stephen Fulton tests positive for COVID-19, Angelo Leo to face Tramaine Williams for WBO title". dazn.com. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  14. ↑ Campbell, Brian (2 August 2020). "Angelo Leo outpoints Tramaine Williams to claim junior featherweight title in Showtime Boxing's return". CBS Sports. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  15. ↑ Woods, Michael (20 December 2020). "Angelo Leo to defend WBO title against Stephen Fulton Jr in Jan. 23 Showtime main event". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  16. ↑ Baby, Ben (24 January 2021). "Stephen Fulton beats Angelo Leo to win WBO's junior featherweight belt". espn.com. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  17. ↑ Stumberg, Patrick L. (12 August 2021). "Stephen Fulton vs Brandon Figueroa pushed back to September 18th". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  18. ↑ Donovan, Jake (7 September 2021). "Brandon Figueroa Tests Positive For Covid, Forced To Postpone Title Unification With Stephen Fulton". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  19. ↑ "Brandon Figueroa-Stephen Fulton Fight Rescheduled For November 27 On Showtime". boxingscene.com. 16 September 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  20. ↑ Fucillo, David (22 November 2021). "Brandon Figueroa vs. Stephen Fulton odds: How odds have opened for junior featherweight title bout". dknation.draftkings.com. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  21. ↑ CompuBox (28 November 2021). "Stephen Fulton vs. Brandon Figueroa - CompuBox Punch Stats". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  22. ↑ Hale, Andreas (28 November 2021). "Brandon Figueroa vs. Stephen Fulton Jr. results: Fulton unifies 122-pound titles via thrilling majority decision". sportingnews.com. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  23. ↑ "Stephen Fulton vs Brandon Figueroa". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  24. ↑ Esco, Wil (28 November 2021). "Figueroa vs Fulton highlights and results: Stephen Fulton Jr takes majority decision over Brandon Figueroa to become unified champion". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  25. ↑ Idec, Keith (6 March 2022). "Stephen Fulton-Daniel Roman To Headline Showtime Card On Date TBD In June Or July". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 6 March 2022.
  26. ↑ Coppinger, Mike (15 March 2022). "Sources: Stephen Fulton to defend junior featherweight titles against Daniel Roman June 4". espn.com. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  27. ↑ Brookhouse, Brent (5 June 2022). "Stephen Fulton vs. Danny Roman: Fight prediction, undercard, start time, odds, preview, Showtime Boxing". CBS Sports. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  28. ↑ Santoliquito, Joseph (4 June 2022). "Stephen Fulton Makes A Statement On Who's No. 1 At 122 Against Daniel Roman". ringtv.com. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  29. ↑ Baby, Ben (4 June 2022). "Stephen Fulton routs Daniel Roman by unanimous decision to keep junior featherweight belts". espn.com. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  30. ↑ Donovan, Jake (9 November 2022). "Stephen Fulton-Brandon Figueroa Rematch In Play, Approved For Interim WBC Featherweight Title". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
  31. ↑ Stumberg, Patrick L. (11 January 2023). "Stephen Fulton vs Brandon Figueroa rematch headlines February 25th Showtime tripleheader". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  32. ↑ Coppinger, Mike (17 January 2023). "Sources: Naoya Inoue, Stephen Fulton talk 122-lb. title bout". espn.com. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  33. ↑ Donovan, Jake (5 March 2023). "Fulton-Inoue 122-Pound Championship Clash Set For May 7 At Yokohama Arena". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  34. ↑ Idec, Keith (21 March 2023). "Naoya Inoue Injured, May 7 Fight Against Stephen Fulton Jr. Postponed; New Date TBD". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  35. ↑ Jake Donovan (2023-03-29). "Fulton-Inoue WBC/WBO title fight rescheduled for July 25 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2023-03-29.
  36. ↑ "Fulton-Inoue title fight put off until July due to Inoue's fist injury | Boxing News（ボクシングニュース）". boxingnews.jp. 22 March 2023. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  37. ↑ Fischer, Doug (25 July 2023). "Naoya Inoue Outclasses And Halts Stephen Fulton In Eight, Wins WBC And WBO 122-pound Titles". ringtv.com. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
Sporting positions
Amateur boxing titles
Previous:
Shawn Simpson		 Golden Gloves
Flyweight champion
2013		Next:
Antonio Vargas
Minor world boxing titles
Preceded by IBO Super bantamweight champion
May 11, 2019 – 2020
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Ludumo Lamati
Major world boxing titles
Preceded by WBO super bantamweight champion
January 23, 2021 – July 25, 2023 		Succeeded by
Preceded by WBC super bantamweight champion
November 27, 2021 – July 25, 2023
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