By Ricardo Lezama In light of recent thrilling unification matches, boxing needs to encourage the fanbase to think critically about what they are asking for in a bout. Ultimately, fans must back boxers when these individuals take great risks and fall just short of their goal. Fans should no longer be fickle when some boxers simply fail to rise to the occasion. Rather, these attempts should be evaluated in terms of courage, particularly, when boxers mustered all, they could for a difficult and unforgiving day when their records are no longer pristine. Undefeated does not mean invincible anymore, thankfully, with true boxing fans now more likely to support boxers in losses if they sense that the boxer did not shy away from a challenge.
From Philadelphia, PA, Stephen Fulton mustered up all the courage and fanbase he could as an undefeated 26-0 featherweight. However, what many fighters should be encouraged to understand is that a defeat to an international fighter can still leverage the fame of their rival as well as the actual intangible benefits of fighting a world class fighter. The experience is incomparable, and while Fulton was at the wrong end of the match’s outcome, the fighter’s youth, strength and size could very well help him extend both his brand and notoriety outside of the sport. As I understand it, Fulton has a nice restaurant in Philadelphia which most anyone who saw the Showtime/Top Rank special would be encouraged to visit upon the fight’s conclusion.
Battling Brandon Figueroa for a WBC strap, Fulton was able to prove to the national boxing audience that he was an elusive boxer whose style could give any offensive minded fighter problems. The fact that it was close only proved the difficulty of the bout not the lack of merit!
Internationally, he was defeated, but his profile will remain high, and if he can rise to the occasion, he can easily be champion again at a division above or below his current weight. Risk taking should be rewarded with opportunities in our view.
Fighters Predict Naoya Inoue Vs Stephen Fulton – YouTube
The past 18 months have included a great deal of high risk, unpredictable bouts with champions unifying to the degree of undisputed champion within a division. In some cases, some champions are rising towards multiple division and have a case to be undisputed through defeat of the reigning or former reigning (but undefeated/vacated) champions.
As can be seen in both historic and contemporary contexts, boxing’s great moments need two great fighters to take a chance. While one may not remain undefeated, both have a chance at infamy if the fight is good enough. Gone is the constant need for a pristine record that tells no story, but now the fanbase is demanding and rewarding near evenly weighted bouts between recognizable names.
In flying to Japan, Fulton raised his profile and proved to the world that at minimum he has heart. No doubt, fans are noticing that fighters are no longer equating undefeated with invincible.