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Like each skilled fighter, Stephen Fulton Jr. dreamed of successful a world title, nevertheless it didn’t cease there. He additionally harbors objectives of turning into an undisputed champion after which shifting up in weight to attempt to do it once more.
So, after Fulton handily outpointed Angelo Leo to take his WBO junior featherweight title in January 2021, he was hardly happy, and he didn’t desire a tender contact for his first protection or a victory lap sort of struggle.
Fulton wished to unify 122-pound titles instantly, and he received his want in November. That’s when he edged Brandon Figueroa by majority resolution in a struggle of the 12 months candidate to take his WBC 122-pound title.
“To turn out to be a world champion, typically that be it for sure guys. That wasn’t my final purpose,” Fulton instructed Struggle Freaks Unite on Thursday. “My final purpose was to turn out to be undisputed after which go on up (to featherweight) and do the identical factor.”
Earlier than he can press the difficulty on an undisputed title struggle, nonetheless, he will face former unified titlist Danny Roman in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions tripleheader on Saturday (Showtime, 9 p.m. ET) at The Armory in Minneapolis.
Once more, Fulton didn’t need a simple opponent, and Roman is something however. Since shedding an eight-round resolution in 2013, Roman has misplaced solely as soon as, and that was a disputed cut up resolution that price him his WBA and IBF title belts towards Murodjon Akhmadaliev in January 2020. Roman has received two fights in a row since and is universally thought of one of many high contenders within the division.
So long as Fulton (20-0, 8 KOs), 27, of Philadelphia, was not capable of get an undisputed struggle with Akhmadaliev instantly, Roman match the invoice because the form of high quality challenger he wished to face.
“His accolades, his model, his document, all the pieces,” Fulton stated of the explanations he wished to struggle Roman. “He’s a sturdy fighter. He’s a fantastic fighter.”
After all, Fulton’s efficiency towards Roman shall be measured towards the one Akhmadaliev had towards him. If Fulton beats Roman, he stated he’ll press for that undisputed title struggle.
“I do know it’s not straightforward to make,” stated Fulton, who’s with PBC and fights on Showtime whereas Akhmadaliev is with Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn and fights on DAZN. “However I really feel like we will make that occur. I really feel like all people can put their satisfaction and no matter else apart to make an undisputed (championship) struggle occur.”
Hear more of Fulton’s comments on our latest “Big Fight Weekend Preview” Podcast by clicking play beneath,
Fulton stated he has already instructed his crew that’s what he needs subsequent, assuming all goes properly towards Roman (29-3-1, 10 KOs), 31, of Los Angeles. Fulton and Akhmadaliev (10-0, 7 KOs), 27, a southpaw from Uzbekistan, shall be on the identical schedule as he’s set to make a compulsory protection towards Ronny Rios on June 25 in San Antonio.
Roman stated Fulton mustn’t look forward and that he’s prepared to start out a second title reign.
“After I misplaced my titles to MJ there have been politics concerned,” Roman stated with out elaborating. “However that’s boxing and now I’m targeted on who’s in entrance of me now and that’s Stephen Fulton. I’m not overlooking my opponent.
“It’s been a 12 months since I final fought, and I’m listening to that. This chance doesn’t come round twice so I do know what I’ve to do to get that W. I’ve been in his place earlier than and also you don’t need to lose these belts. I used to be a unified champion too. So I do know what it takes. He’s going to try to look his finest, and I’m going to go in there and provides all the pieces I’ve to get him.”
Within the co-feature, Cuban southpaw David Morrell (6-0, 5 KOs), 24, who fights out of Minneapolis, defends his WBA “common” tremendous middleweight belt for the third time towards Kalvin Henderson (15-1-1, 11 KOs), 31, of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Opening the printed shall be a replay of WBA “common” light-weight titlist Gervonta Davis’ sixth-round knockout of Rolando Romero, which headlined a Showtime PPV final Saturday.
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