Brandon Figueroa vs Stephen Fulton Jr. 2: Keys to victory for both fighters

Stephen Fulton Jr.'s precise punching helped him get a majority decision nod over Brandon Figueroa back in November 2021.

Now, Figueroa (25-1-1, 19 KOs), the reigning WBC featherweight world champion, puts his title on the line while looking to avenge his only pro loss as he faces Fulton (22-1, 8 KOs) in a rematch Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

With the stakes high in this sequel, DAZN News lists the keys to victory for both fighters.

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Brandon Figueroa’s keys to victory

Pressure Fulton early with volume

Some fans and critics alike believe that Figueroa’s high punch volume was enough for him to get his hand raised in victory over Fulton in November 2021.

Judges gave Fulton the majority decision instead, but that does not mean that Figueroa has to switch up his style in this rematch.

Since suffering his only pro loss, Figueroa has continued to drive up his punch count during a three-fight win streak. But he has managed doing this in a more educated fashion.

Against a slippery, slick Philadelphia fighter like Fulton, Figueroa can and should keep his volume up but must do it smartly.

Alma Montiel/WBC

Piece together combinations

Once Figueroa starts letting his hands go, he does not tend to stop.

Him piecing together combinations can go a long way toward him drowning Fulton out with that high output.

Be cautious of Fulton’s counterpunching

Fulton is an excellent ring general equipped with the ability to counterpunch and land impactful shots cleanly.

Figueroa cannot afford to punch with reckless abandon or he will be a magnet to crisp counterpunching that can make him lose rounds or worse over … his WBC featherweight title.

Stephen Fulton Jr.’s keys to victory

Assert the jab early

Fulton landing the jab with crisp accuracy, snapping Figueroa’s head back, could hinder the champ’s forward fighting and output, bringing those numbers down a bit.

• Read next |  Figueroa vs Fulton Jr. 2: Who has the edge going into their fight?

Counter Figueroa’s high output with precision

Though nearly four years ago, the key to Fulton’s majority decision win over Figueroa was landing the cleaner, more efficient punches.

Those precise shots, especially on the counterpunch end, allowed Fulton to bank rounds and sway judges’ scores.

The same can happen in this rematch if Fulton times Figueroa in traffic and consistently scores with eye-opening counterpunching.

Let hands go more

While crisp counterpunching can bank rounds in Fulton’s favour, it might still not be enough due to Figueroa’s high punching volume.

Therefore, Fulton might need to let his hands go even more and drive up his own punch count to make it 2-0 against Figueroa and leave as the new WBC featherweight world champion.

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