What does artificial intelligence have to say about this 50-50, high stakes world title showdown Saturday night in Las Vegas?
Figueroa vs Fulton - Watch Full Fight | November 27, 2021
This Saturday, February 1, WBC Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton Jr. are set to reignite their rivalry in a blockbuster featherweight world title rematch on a must-see PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The rematch between Figueroa and Fulton is a highly anticipated clash between two of boxing's brightest stars. Their first encounter, at 122-pounds, was a razor-thin decision in favor of Fulton, showcasing a blend of Figueroa's relentless pressure and Fulton's slick boxing skills. At featherweight, the dynamics may shift, as both fighters adjust to the higher weight class.
This A.I. analysis delves into the key categories that will determine the fight’s outcome, from boxing skills and athleticism to power and stamina, highlighting this rematch to be a show for fans to be on the edge of their seats.
SKILLSET
Figueroa: Figueroa thrives on his ability to smother opponents with inside fighting and an unrelenting volume of punches. He isn't the most technical fighter, but his pressure and creativity in delivering punches from awkward angles make him difficult to deal with. His defense can be porous, but his offense often compensates.
Fulton: Fulton is the more polished boxer of the two, with a diverse skill set that allows him to box from range or fight in the trenches. His ability to adapt to his opponent's style is one of his biggest strengths, as he uses timing, sharp counterpunching, and excellent footwork to control the pace.
Edge: Stephen Fulton. His technical versatility and ability to fight effectively at any range give him the edge.
SPEED
Figueroa: Figueroa has good hand speed, especially when throwing combinations on the inside. However, his style prioritizes volume over quick bursts of speed.
Fulton: Fulton has elite hand and foot speed, which allows him to move in and out of range and counter effectively. His quickness is a key factor in his ability to dictate the tempo of a fight.
Edge: Stephen Fulton. His hand and foot speed are superior.
ATHLETICISM
Figueroa: Figueroa’s athleticism is underrated, as he uses his size and reach effectively to maintain his high-paced, pressure-heavy style. However, he is more durable than explosive, relying on grit over speed.
Fulton: Fulton is a dynamic athlete with quick reflexes, sharp movement, and excellent coordination. His athleticism allows him to execute his game plan with precision and adapt to the demands of the fight.
Edge: Stephen Fulton. His explosiveness and fluid athleticism give him the advantage.
POWER
Figueroa: Figueroa’s power is more about accumulation than single-punch knockouts. His relentless body attack and high-volume punching wear opponents down over time, making him dangerous in later rounds.
Fulton: Fulton has respectable power but doesn’t rely on it to win fights. His punches are accurate and well-timed, but he focuses more on outboxing his opponents than on trying to stop them.
Edge: Brandon Figueroa. His relentless volume and bodywork make his power more effective over the course of a fight.
CHIN
Figueroa: Figueroa has shown an excellent chin throughout his career, walking through heavy shots and continuing to press forward. His durability is one of his defining traits.
Fulton: Fulton’s chin is solid, but he hasn’t been tested as much as Figueroa in wars of attrition. His defensive skills often keep him out of trouble.
Edge: Brandon Figueroa. His proven ability to absorb punishment gives him the advantage.
STAMINA
Figueroa: Figueroa’s stamina is arguably his greatest weapon. He thrives on pushing a relentless pace for 12 rounds, forcing opponents into a war of attrition.
Fulton: Fulton also has excellent stamina and has shown he can maintain his performance throughout a high-paced fight. However, he doesn’t rely on volume to the same extent as Figueroa.
Edge: Brandon Figueroa. His ability to sustain a relentless work rate gives him the edge.
PREDICTION
Stephen Fulton wins via unanimous decision.
Fulton’s technical skill and adaptability make him the favorite to win a rematch. In their first fight, Fulton showed he could handle Figueroa’s pressure by using his movement, sharp counters, and superior defense. At featherweight, Fulton is likely to carry more strength, allowing him to offset Figueroa’s physicality more effectively. While Figueroa will have moments of success, especially in close exchanges, Fulton’s ability to control the range and tempo would likely lead to a clear points victory in the rematch.
For a closer look at Figueroa vs Fulton 2, check out our fight night page.
