Stephen Fulton

Stephen Fulton Jr., born on July 17, 1994, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a professional boxer known for embodying the classic "Prince of Pennsylvania" archetype, much like Rocky Balboa. He's celebrated for his humble beginnings, strong work ethic, fearless demeanor in the ring, and unwavering determination. Like many of Philadelphia's sports legends, Fulton's "cool boy" persona helped him navigate the tough streets of the city on his journey to becoming a world champion, highlighting his commitment to the sweet science of boxing.

Fulton initiated his boxing journey at the grassroots level in the historic Philadelphia circuit. His rapid rise through the amateur ranks provided him with invaluable experience for his professional career. In 2014, he made his professional debut, securing a knockout victory over Isaac Badger. From this point onwards, Fulton's trajectory seemed destined for stardom as another homegrown sensation from Philly.

Fulton experienced his own "Rocky Balboa" moment when he fought for his first world title challenge in January 2020 against Angelo Leo for the WBO Junior Featherweight title. It was a grueling, back-and-forth battle that epitomized the spirit of a Philly fighter. Fulton emerged victorious, clinching the world championship and further cementing the East Coast's reputation for producing fearless boxers who excel in high-stakes showdowns. Despite this victory occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic in an empty arena, Fulton's triumph resonated deeply in the legendary fight town of Philadelphia, solidifying his status as another prince of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania has long been recognized as a fight capital, boasting a rich legacy of freestyle wrestlers, MMA fighters, and boxers. Fulton exemplifies the tenacity of a world championship wrestler and the clinch control reminiscent of a UFC champion in his boxing matches. His relentless style keeps opponents on their toes, never allowing them a moment of respite, even in seemingly subtle positions. This wear-and-tear strategy was evident in his grueling twelve-round campaign to become a unified champion when he faced Brandon Figueroa in a WBC and WBO unification bout in 2021, narrowly defeating Figueroa.

Fulton relies heavily on his jab to inflict damage, employing it both offensively and defensively as he moves forward and backward. This jabbing prowess makes it exceedingly challenging for opponents to press and trap him, even the most seasoned Mexican-style fighters, as demonstrated in the Figueroa unification bout. In that matchup, Fulton showcased not only his durable chin but also his well-conditioned legs, which held up in a classic slugfest for the Philadelphia boxer. In almost every championship bout, Fulton's short, precise hooks have played a pivotal role. He possesses a unique knack for not only testing his opponents' chins but also gauging his range effectively with these hooks. These hooks, combined with his skillful lateral jabs, keep even pound-for-pound fighters cautious about stepping straight into his line of fire, particularly with Fulton's signature jaw-breaking counter left hook.

Despite Fulton's remarkable talent, hard work, and resilience, he is far from invincible. He has experienced being dropped multiple times as a world champion, and his championship fights, such as those against Angelo Leo and Brandon Figueroa, have often turned into grueling wars that could potentially shorten his career. However, Fulton's indomitable spirit shines through in every bout, as he refuses to throw in the towel even when faced with adversity, much like the challenges of the streets of Philadelphia that forged his character.