How Stephen Fulton Became the King of Super Bantamweights
Stephen Fulton Jr. is an American professional boxer who has risen to the top of the Super Bantamweight division.
He is the unified world champion, holding both the WBO and WBC titles.
He also held the IBO title in 2019. But who is Stephen Fulton and how did he achieve this feat?
Here is everything you need to know about the man nicknamed “Cool Boy Steph”.
Early life and amateur career
Fulton was born on July 17, 1994, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
grew up in a rough neighborhood where he witnessed violence and crime.
started boxing at the age of seven to stay out of trouble and to channel his anger.
He trained at the James Shuler Memorial Gym under Hamza Muhammad.
Fulton had a successful amateur career, winning several national and regional tournaments.
He represented the United States at the 2013 Golden Gloves, where he won the gold medal in the super bantamweight category.
He also competed in the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials but lost to Joseph Diaz Jr. Fulton amassed a record of 91-18 as an amateur before turning professional in 2014.
Professional boxing career
Fulton made his professional debut on October 14, 2014, against Isaac Badger.
He won by a second-round technical knockout. He then signed with Premier Boxing Champions, a promotional company that showcases young talent.
Fulton steadily climbed up the ranks, defeating various opponents with different styles and skills.
He showcased his speed, power, defense, and ring IQ in his fights.
He also displayed his versatility, fighting in both super bantamweight and featherweight divisions.
Some of his notable victories include:
- Luis Rosario (UD 8)
- Adam Lopez (UD 10)
- Joshua Greer Jr. (UD 8)
- Paulus Ambunda (UD 12)
- Isaac Avelar (TKO 6)
- Arnold Khegai (UD 12)
IBO super bantamweight champion
Fulton won his first world title on May 11, 2019, when he faced Paulus Ambunda for the IBO super bantamweight belt.
The fight took place at the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.
Fulton dominated the bout from start to finish, outboxing and outlanding the Namibian veteran.
He scored a knockdown in the eighth round with a left hook to the body.
He won by a unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring 120-107 in his favor.
Fulton became the first IBO super bantamweight champion from Philadelphia.
WBO super bantamweight champion
Fulton earned his shot at the WBO super bantamweight title by defeating Arnold Khegai on January 25, 2020.
The fight was for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental belt and the mandatory challenger status.
It took place at the Barclays Center in New York City.
Fulton faced some resistance from Khegai, who tried to pressure him with his aggression and physicality.
However, Fulton adjusted and took control of the fight with his superior boxing skills and movement.
He won by a unanimous decision, with two judges scoring it 117-111 and one judge scoring it 116-112 in his favor.
Fulton was supposed to challenge Emanuel Navarrete for the WBO title on September 19, 2020, but he tested positive for COVID-19 and had to withdraw from the fight.
He was replaced by Ruben Villa, who lost to Navarrete by a unanimous decision.
Fulton finally got his chance to fight for the WBO title on January 23, 2021, against Angelo Leo, who had defeated Tramaine Williams for the vacant belt on August 1, 2020.
The fight was held at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Fulton put on a masterful performance against Leo, who was known for his relentless pressure and body attack.
Fulton matched Leo’s intensity and fought him toe-to-toe on the inside, landing more punches and hurting him several times.
He also used his jab and footwork to create distance and angles when needed.
Fulton won by a unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring 119-109 in his favor.
He became the new WBO super bantamweight champion and fulfilled his dream of becoming a world champion.
WBC super bantamweight champion
Fulton made his first defense of his WBO title on November 27, 2021, against Brandon Figueroa, who held the WBC title.
The fight was a unification bout and one of the most anticipated fights of the year.
It took place at the Park Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Fulton and Figueroa delivered a thrilling and action-packed fight that lived up to the hype.
Both fighters exchanged punches at a high pace and volume, showing their heart and determination.
The fight was close and competitive, with both fighters having their moments and landing big shots.
Fulton edged out Figueroa by a majority decision, with one judge scoring it 114-114 and two judges scoring it 116-112 in his favor.
He became the unified WBO and WBC super bantamweight champion and the first fighter to defeat Figueroa.
Future plans
Fulton is now one of the best fighters in the world and the undisputed king of the super bantamweight division.
He has expressed his desire to unify all four major belts and become the undisputed champion.
He also wants to face the best fighters in his weight class and prove himself as the best.
Fulton is scheduled to face Naoya Inoue, the IBF and WBA super bantamweight champion, in a unification bout on July 16, 2022.
The fight will take place at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan.
The winner will become the undisputed super bantamweight champion and one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world.
Fulton is confident that he can beat Inoue and make history. He said, “I’m ready for Inoue. He’s a great
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