Fight results

We have the advantage of analyzing not only the fighting styles of the opponents but also how they interact, thanks to a previous encounter. Fulton and Figueroa fought back in 2021.

Fulton is a traditional counter-puncher. He lacks the sufficient (and often necessary) punching power for a one-punch knockout but compensates with speed, reflexes, and fluidity for effective counterattacks. On the other hand, Brandon is an offensive fighter. His aggressive style thrives at close range, where he corners his opponent against the ropes or in a corner and launches prolonged, methodical assaults until he achieves the desired result.

In 2021, however, this didn’t work out for Figueroa—Fulton became the first to defeat him. It was a tough fight for both, with one judge scoring it a draw, but Stephen’s accuracy ultimately outweighed his opponent’s aggression.

Fulton is two years older at 30. He also had the ultimate test against the strongest boxer in neighboring weight classes, Naoya Inoue. Stephen lost that bout by knockout in the 8th round.

This factor is significant heading into the rematch. Looking at their experiences since their last fight, Fulton fought one more time, winning by decision before being knocked out by Inoue. He then returned a year later in a challenging fight, where Carlos Castro even knocked him down. Despite this, Fulton managed to secure a victory by split decision.

Figueroa, on the other hand, has exclusively won since their first meeting: two stoppage victories in three fights and a world championship title. Considering that their overall records and accomplishments are roughly comparable, this recent form is a crucial factor.

Figueroa throws more punches. His style is rooted in aggression, pressure, and outpacing his opponent in punch output. By keeping constant pressure, Brandon minimizes any potential skill gap that could favor his opponent.

Meanwhile, Fulton is the more precise fighter. He provokes his opponent into attacking, capitalizes on their mistakes, and counters effectively. In his last five fights, Stephen’s average punch accuracy has exceeded 30%, compared to Brandon’s 28%.

In 2022, 2023, and 2024, each fighter had one bout per year. While the activity level is low, the difference lies in their trajectories.

Fulton tested himself by attempting to become the undisputed champion but was knocked out. His return fight also came with challenges. Figueroa, by contrast, has only been victorious in this period, a psychologically significant advantage heading into their second meeting.

This is where Figueroa holds a clear edge. Brandon can punch with power—not quite at the level of a top-tier puncher like Inoue, but he skillfully disguises his shots in long combinations and effectively uses his reach even at close range.

Fulton, by contrast, is not a knockout artist. With just over 36% of his wins coming by stoppage (compared to Figueroa’s 76%), his style doesn’t aim for knockouts. If Stephen could combine his natural precision and skills with heavy punching power, he would be a nightmare for any opponent. Instead, he has to push his skills to the limit to secure victories.

Every Figueroa fight is a brawl, and he willingly engages in them. So far, Brandon has never been knocked out, even in a bout against Luis Nery, a recognized power puncher who once knocked down Inoue.

Fulton, until recently, had not been tested for his ability to take a punch. However, both Inoue and Castro proved that Stephen can be knocked down if he gets hit cleanly.

In their first fight, Fulton managed to avoid Figueroa’s big shots. But what happens if Brandon lands something significant this time?

Neither fighter has a clear advantage in terms of location. The bout will take place in Las Vegas. Figueroa is from Texas, and Fulton is from Philadelphia.

Additionally, both have fought at the T-Mobile Arena once before. Brandon boxed there in spring 2024, knocking out Jessie Magdaleno in the 9th round. Fulton fought there in fall 2024 against Carlos Castro, winning via decision.

Currently, Fulton enters this rematch with a less favorable psychological state. He lost a fight by stoppage and was knocked down in his comeback bout.

On the flip side, Stephen managed to recover from the knockdown against Castro, kept his composure, and secured the victory.

Figueroa is riding a wave of victories, having beaten Castro (by stoppage), as well as tough opponents like Mark Magsayo and Jessie Magdaleno. He holds a championship title and has the opportunity to avenge his only career loss.

Psychology and physical readiness will play a pivotal role in this fight. From a pure boxing standpoint, Fulton is the more versatile fighter—fast, skillful, elusive. He’s difficult to hit cleanly or corner.

But will he handle the pressure this time? Will he be haunted by the knockdowns in his last two fights? And will this affect the calm and composure so crucial for a counter-puncher?