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Figueroa vs. Fulton II: The Rematch – Keys to Win, Fight Analysis, and Predictions

Stephen Fulton vs Brandon Figueroa Poster
Stephen Fulton vs Brandon Figueroa Poster

On February 1, 2025 (Feb 2 in Manila), boxing fans will witness a highly anticipated rematch between Brandon "The Heartbreaker" Figueroa and Stephen "Cool Boy Steph" Fulton Jr. at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This bout, scheduled for 12 rounds in the featherweight division (126 lbs), will be broadcast live on Prime Video Pay-Per-View.

Significance of the Rematch

Their first encounter on November 27, 2021, was a thrilling contest that saw Fulton unify the WBC and WBO super bantamweight titles by majority decision, with scores of 116-112 twice and 114-114. The close nature of the fight left both fighters and fans eager for a rematch.

Path to the Rematch

Since their initial meeting, both fighters have experienced significant developments in their careers:

Stephen Fulton Jr.: After defeating Figueroa, Fulton faced Naoya Inoue in July 2023, where he lost his unified titles via eighth-round TKO. He returned to the ring in September 2024, securing a disputed split-decision victory over Carlos Castro, despite being knocked down in the fifth round.

Brandon Figueroa: Following the loss to Fulton, Figueroa moved up to the featherweight division. He claimed the interim WBC featherweight title with a victory over Mark Magsayo in March 2023 and defended it successfully against former champion Jessie Magdaleno, winning by ninth-round knockout.

Keys to Victory
  • For Figueroa:

    • Relentless Pressure: Utilize his high-volume punching and aggressive style to overwhelm Fulton.
    • Body Attack: Focus on body shots to wear down Fulton over the rounds.
    • Stamina: Maintain a high work rate throughout the fight to capitalize on any fatigue from Fulton.
  • For Fulton:

    • Defensive Prowess: Employ superior defense to avoid Figueroa's onslaught.
    • Counterpunching: Take advantage of Figueroa's aggression with precise counterpunches.
    • Ring Generalship: Control the pace and distance, dictating the terms of engagement.

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Figueroa:

    • Strengths: High punch output, durability, and relentless aggression.
    • Weaknesses: Defensive vulnerabilities and susceptibility to counterpunches.
  • Fulton:

    • Strengths: Technical boxing skills, defensive acumen, and adaptability.
    • Weaknesses: Occasional lapses in focus and potential challenges handling relentless pressure.

Industry Predictions

The boxing community is divided on the outcome of this rematch. Some analysts believe Fulton's technical prowess will once again secure him the victory, while others argue that Figueroa's move to featherweight and recent performances indicate he may have the upper hand this time.

Powcast Prediction

Considering both fighters' recent bouts and improvements, this rematch is expected to be as competitive as their first encounter. If Figueroa can effectively implement his pressure and capitalize on Fulton's defensive lapses, he stands a strong chance of avenging his prior loss. Conversely, if Fulton can maintain his composure, utilize his boxing skills, and manage the fight's pace, he may replicate his previous success. Ultimately, this bout is anticipated to be a closely contested battle that could go either way.

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