Stephen Fulton didn’t have the comeback he wanted. After spending over a year on layoff, contemplating what he could have done differently against Naoya Inoue and adding bulk to his frame for a switch to featherweight, he had a rustic start. The American fighter barely scrapped the win against Carlos Castro and found himself on the receiving end of scathing criticism. But he broke his silence as he sent a message to his doubters.

Fulton, 30, didn’t have an easy start to the fight, as he appeared stiff, lacked fluidity, and couldn’t keep his left guard up. It allowed Castro to throw rights. One of those caught the former super bantamweight champion lacking in the fifth round. He soon found himself on the mat, and then he started his rapid recovery, clinching the final rounds. ‘Scooter’ eventually got his hand raised by a narrow split decision win, beginning his new life at 126 with a win. However, many didn’t believe he won the fight and lashed out at him.

Fulton, at 22-1, turned to his X handle and gave a fitting reply to his critics. Admitting his mental and emotional struggles, he said, “They only remember the first time you say no or don’t do it. You can’t even enjoy a victory after taking your first loss over a year ago and constantly trying to overcome the mental part of it all. Alhamdulillah for the good and the bad. I am just thankful and grateful!”

These comments resonate with Fulton’s self-assessment, which he laid out in his post-fight interview. The Philadelphia native had admitted that he felt stronger and better at 126. He also pointed out that it was his first fight in 14 months. So, with ring rust now shaken off, and with newfound confidence, he was ready to mount a challenge for a title next.

Stephen Fulton wants to challenge for the world title at 126

Shedding light on what Fulton could have done more, he declared, “I could have let my hands go a little bit more. I didn’t want to box too much. Because I felt so good. But I could have boxed with my legs more.”

With Bozy Ennis as his trainer, ‘Cool Boy Steph’ is ready to make strides in the featherweight division. He added, “I have to get back in the gym, work on my movement, and come back for the world title.” It remains to be seen when he will fight next and against whom. But he could be soon fighting for a world title, given his boxing prowess and technical superiority.

What do you make of these comments by Stephen Fulton? Who do you believe he should fight next? Let us know in the comments below.