Stephen Fulton has dismissed the idea of defending his WBC featherweight title against interim beltholder Bruce Carrington, insisting he is already negotiating “bigger” assignments - chief among them a leap to 130 lbs for a shot at WBC super-featherweight champion O’Shaquie Foster.
Fulton reignited his career in February when he out-boxed Brandon Figueroa to claim the WBC strap at 126 lbs, banishing the memory of 2023's defeat to Naoya Inoue. While unification bouts at featherweight remain possible, industry talk centres on Fulton challenging Foster before year’s end in pursuit of a third world title.
Carrington thrust himself into the conversation on Saturday by outpointing Mateus Heita for the interim belt in Newark. The Brooklyn contender responded to Fulton’s online boast - “No fighter that ever called me out beat me” - by urging the champion to fight: “First time for everything. Let’s make it happen.” Fulton swiftly rebuffed the overture, telling Carrington to “be patient” because larger opportunities await.
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If Fulton vacates to chase Foster, the WBC could elevate Carrington or order him to fight Rey Vargas or Carlos Castro for the vacant crown. Vargas and Castro are already in talks, and their winner would be the obvious opponent for Carrington should Fulton depart.
Image Credit: The Ring