Justin Figueroa is embracing the transition from prospect to contender.
Figueroa returns Friday against Jose Edgardo Perdomo at Tropicana Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City. The bout will stream on DAZN.
Twenty-six-year-old Figueroa, 13-0 (10 KOs), turned professional in 2022 and is now balancing training, monitoring his weight, selling tickets, and fulfilling sponsor obligations. He has often talked about the art of keeping his intensity high in training, while also allowing himself time to recover.
“I have to keep a killer’s mentality, but at the same time tone it down so I am not overdoing it,” Figueroa said. “I know I will be happy when my hand is raised, but right now it is a journey and process.”
Figueroa listens to jazz playlists on YouTube to work on meditation. When he walks his dog Kobe, named after the basketball player Kobe Bryant, he focuses on breathing exercises. When he watches television, he watches boxing. He studies how to improve.
“My phone is blowing up. I am pushing tickets and waiting for people to pick up tickets,” Figueroa said. “It is more than boxing going on, so when I can finally make it into the ring, compete, and show off my skills, I will be happy and satisfied.”
New Jersey Boxing Hall of Famer Jolene Mizzone of Fighters First Management is guiding the career of Figueroa.
“My last fight in Atlantic City, before I resigned with Fighters First Management, Jolene [Mizzone] stuck with me and we will know the right time to land this plane,” Figueroa said. “I am definitely on board with Captain Jolene Mizzone.”
For this fight Perdomo enters with an unassuming record of 9-7 (5 KOs), but, as is often the case in boxing, that doesn’t tell the full story. In fact, Perdomo knocked out the unbeaten Micky Scala in September. Since then, the 31-year-old from Montevideo, Uruguay has fought again, winning a four-round unanimous decision.
Figueroa will now face one of the most formidable threats of his career; a fighter riding a three-fight win streak with nothing to lose.
“I am learning each camp, each day,” Figueroa said. “Being labeled Mr. Atlantic City, the local people come out and support their guy from Atlantic City.”
