Stephen Fulton has been so focused on his goal of unifying the titles that he hasn’t given much thought to the unique experience of hearing fans in attendance for the first time in nearly two years.
The unbeaten WBO junior featherweight titlist is set for his two-belt unification bout with WBC claimant Brandon Figueroa (22-0-1, 17KOs) this Saturday, live on Showtime from Park MGM in Las Vegas. The bout will come in stark contrast to his title winning effort, dethroning unbeaten Angelo Leo this past January behind closed doors at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
This time around, family and friends will make the cross-country trek from Philadelphia to Las Vegas to cheer on the undefeated 27-year-old.
“I feel like this support alone will make a difference,” Fulton noted during a recent Zoom media conference call to discuss the unification bout. “Other than that, no difference. My mindset will be the same as if there is nobody there with me. I’ve been here three weeks alone, just me and my trainer. I’m used to being in uncomfortable positions alone. It wouldn’t bother me if they wasn’t there.”
Fulton (19-0, 8KOs) has rapidly emerged as one of the most talented boxers in the sport today. His willingness to take on all comers is well-reflected on his rise to contention, having defeated seven unbeaten opponents just to get to the title stage. Saturday will mark his ninth overall under such circumstances and fourth in a row. The run has come without a significant geographical backing, having not fought in his home state in more than four years and only recently emerging as a headlining act.
There are no regrets, as Fulton has long ago embraced a ‘me-against-the-world’ mentality. Still, it will be nice to have a firm backing heading into the most significant fight of his career to date.
“Just knowing they will be there is the support that’s always needed,” notes Fulton. “Not saying I don’t need it because everybody always likes the support. It is needed in a certain way.
“It will be a hell of an experience for me and my family.”
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
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