Darius Fulghum returns from the only loss of his 15-fight career when he confronts David Stevens on November 8.

The Houston-based super middleweight and the 15-2 (10KOs) Stevens fight on the undercard of Vergil Ortiz Jnr-Erickson Lubin at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

“I needed to change my mental approach,” the 29 year old said. “Coming off a loss, I really want to make a splash. I feel like I’m still at the top of the division and this fight is a great opportunity to showcase my skills. 

“This is another day. I want to put on a great performance to be in contention for one of those four belts. I’m not far away – one or two more fights – but it all depends on how I perform. [Terence] Crawford has those four belts. Will he stay in this weight class? Should he retire – Crawford is 38? Will the division be opened up? I want to put myself in position. My time will be perfect for a world-title fight.

“In my last fight, skill-wise, I am superior to Bek; I thought I won the fight. I didn’t and it happened. I think experience was a factor. My ego got the best of me. I never liked bullies, and I made it my mission to not get bullied. I wouldn’t take a step backwards, but I should have boxed right from the start. It’s all part of learning lessons. 

“I would like to think that we’ll meet again, but for a world title. Things will work out. That fight is in the past, and I will grow and keep learning. What I appreciate the most about boxing is that a lot of people make excuses and point fingers at others, but that doesn’t work in boxing.”

Stevens, 25, lost a 12-round split decision to Melikuziev in November. 

“I know a lot about David Stevens,” Fulghum continued. “He trains here [in Houston], and we’ve sparred. I’ve seen him around for a long time. He is unique to himself; unlike anybody I’ve fought. This is a dangerous fight. He’s going to bring his stuff; I need to set the tone from the start.”