Brandon Lee Figueroa (born December 29, 1996) is an American professional boxer. He is a two weight world champion, having held the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight title since October 2024, and previously the World Boxing Association (WBA) Regular version super bantamweight title from 2019 to 2021, and the WBC super bantamweight title in 2021.

Brandon Figueroa
Born (1996-12-29) December 29, 1996 (age 27)
Other namesThe Heartbreaker
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)[1]
Reach72+12 in (184 cm)[1]
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights27
Wins25
Wins by KO19
Losses1
Draws1

Early life

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Brandon was born to Mexican parents from Tamaulipas, Mexico and is the younger brother of former WBC Lightweight champion Omar Figueroa.[2]

Professional career

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Super bantamweight

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WBA interim champion

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Figueroa made his professional debut against Hector Gutierrez on May 9, 2015. He won the fight by unanimous decision. He amassed an 18-0 record over the next four years, with 13 stoppage victories.[3] Figueroa was scheduled to face Yonfrez Parejo for the vacant WBA interim super bantamweight title on April 20, 2019, at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.[4] He was seen as a massive favorite heading into the bout, and was accordingly set as a -2879 betting favorite, while Parejo entered as a +1379 betting underdog.[5] Figueroa won the fight by an eight-round stoppage. Although the first four rounds were even, Fighureoa began to take over from the fifth round onward, forcing Parejo to retire from the fight after the eight round.[6]

Figueroa was scheduled to face Yonfrez Parejo, in his first WBA Interim Super Bantamweight title defense, on April 20, 2019, at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas. The bout was scheduled for the undercard of the Danny García vs. Adrián Granados welterweight clash.[7] Figueroa won the fight by a fourth-round knockout, dropping Chacon with a combination of hooks at the 2 minuted mark of the round. At the time of the stoppage, Figueroa held a 96 to 18 advantage in punches landed.[8]

WBA regular champion

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Figueroa was scheduled to defend his WBA Regular super bantamweight title against Julio Ceja on the undercard of the Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz II fight. The bout was scheduled for November 23, 2019, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nevada.[9] Ceja came in 4.5 lbs over the 122 lbs weight limit, meaning the title was only on the line for Figueroa.[10] The fight was ruled a split decision draw after twelve rounds, with one judge scoring it 116-112 for Ceja, the second 115-113 for Figueroa, while the third judge scored the fight as a 114-114 draw.[11]

Figueroa was scheduled to make his second WBA title defense against Damien Vazquez on the undercard of The Charlos vs. Derevyanchenko and Rosario. The card was scheduled for September 26, 2020 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Montville, Connecticut.[12] Figueroa was seen as a massive favorite heading into the bout, with one media outlet describing it as "...a tune up fight for Figueroa".[13] Figueroa won the fight by a tenth-round technical knockout.[14]

Figueroa vs. Nery

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Figueroa was scheduled to make the second defense of his WBA (Regular) title in a title unification bout against the reigning WBC super bantamweight champion Luis Nery.[15] Following a four-month negotiation period, the fight was scheduled for May 15, 2021 at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, United States.[16] Nery was seen as a favorite to beat Figueroa, with opening odds seeing Nery as a -400 favorite and Figueroa at +275, although the line later saw Nery drop to -225 and Figueroa rise to +175.[17] Figueroa won the fight by seventh round KO. Nery started bright and was dominating the fight, but Figueroa managed to drop Nery in the seventh round, as Nery was getting up from the canvas, referee Thomas Taylor decided to wave the fight off with a really fast count. The fight was officially stopped at the 2:18 minute mark of the 7th round.[18]

Figueroa vs. Fulton

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Figueroa faced the reigning WBO super bantamweight titleholder Stephen Fulton in a title unification bout. The fight was scheduled for September 11, 2021, before being postponed a week in order to replace the Canelo Alvarez and Caleb Plant fight as the main event of the September 18 PBC card.[19] The fight was postponed for a second time on September 8, as Figueroa tested positive for COVID-19.[20] The bout was rescheduled for November 27, 2021.[21] Figueroa entered the bout as a +265 underdog.[22] Figueroa lost a somewhat controversial majority 12 round decision, with votes of 114-114 and two 112-116 against him.[23]

Featherweight

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Figueroa vs. Castro

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Figueroa was booked to face the fifth ranked WBC featherweight contender Carlos Castro in a featherweight title eliminator on July 9, 2022, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The fight was scheduled as the co-feature to the WBC featherweight title clash between the champion Mark Magsayo and title challenger Rey Vargas.[24] Figueroa won the fight by a controversial sixth-round technical knockout. He was up on the scorecards at the time of the stoppage, with two judges having scored the fight 49–45 and 48–46 in his favor, while the third judge had the fight 48–46 for Castro. Figueroa knocked Castro down once prior the stoppage, with a left in the third round.[25][26]

Figueroa vs. Magsayo

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An interim WBC featherweight title bout between Figueroa and Stephen Fulton was approved by the sanctioning body on November 9, 2022, as the current featherweight titlist Rey Vargas was given a one-fight exemption to move up in weight and contest the vacant super featherweight belt. The fight was a rematch of their November 27, 2021, bout, which Fulton won by majority decision.[27] The fight was expected to take place on February 25, 2023, at the Minneapolis Armory in Central, Minneapolis.[28] On January 16, 2023, it was revealed that Figueroa was instead finalizing a deal with the former WBC featherweight champion Mark Magsayo, as Fulton had entered into negotiations with the former three-division world champion Naoya Inoue.[29] Figueroa faced Magsayo on March 4, 2023, at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.[30] He won the fight by unanimous decision. Judges Gary Ritter and Fernando Villarreal scored the bout 117–110 in his favor, while judge Zachary Young awarded him a wider 118–110 scorecard. Magsayo was deducted a point apiece in rounds eight and eleven for excessive holding.[31]

Figueroa vs. Magdaleno

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On May 4, 2024 in Las Vegas, Figueroa was scheduled to make the first defense of his interim WBC featherweight title against Jessie Magdaleno.[32] He won the fight by knockout in the ninth round with left body shot.[33]

Figueroa vs. Fulton II

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On October 10, 2024 it was announced that Figueroa would face Stephen Fulton on December 14, 2024 at Toyota Center in Houston, TX.[34][35][36]

Personal life

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On October 2, 2022, Figueroa was arrested for driving under the influence, after his BAC test came back at 0.15%, significantly over the permitted state limit of 0.08%.[37]

Professional boxing record

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27 fights 25 wins 1 loss
By knockout 19 0
By decision 6 1
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
27 Win 25–1–1 Jessie Magdaleno KO 9 (12), 2:59 May 4, 2024 T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBC interim featherweight title
26 Win 24–1–1 Mark Magsayo UD 12 Mar 4, 2023 Toyota Arena, Ontario, California, U.S. Won vacant WBC interim featherweight title
25 Win 23–1–1 Carlos Castro TKO 6 (12), 2:11 Jul 9, 2022 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
24 Loss 22–1–1 Stephen Fulton MD 12 Nov 27, 2021 Park MGM, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Lost WBC super bantamweight title;
For WBO super bantamweight title
23 Win 22–0–1 Luis Nery KO 7 (12), 2:18 May 15, 2021 Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California, U.S. Retained WBA (Regular) super bantamweight title;
Won WBC super bantamweight title
22 Win 21–0–1 Damien Vazquez TKO 10 (12), 1:18 Sep 26, 2020 Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, U.S. Retained WBA (Regular) super bantamweight title
21 Draw 20–0–1 Julio Ceja SD 12 Nov 23, 2019 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBA (Regular) super bantamweight title
20 Win 20–0 Javier Nicolas Chacon KO 4 (12), 0:55 Aug 24, 2019 Bert Ogden Arena, Edinburg, Texas, U.S. Retained WBA interim super bantamweight title
19 Win 19–0 Yonfrez Parejo RTD 8 (12), 3:00 Apr 20, 2019 Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California, U.S. Won vacant WBA interim super bantamweight title
18 Win 18–0 Moises Flores KO 3 (12), 1:45 Jan 13, 2019 Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
17 Win 17–0 Óscar Escandón KO 10 (10), 2:11 Sep 30, 2018 Toyota Arena, Ontario, California, U.S.
16 Win 16–0 Luis Roy Suarez Cruz TKO 1 (8), 2:57 Aug 4, 2018 Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, New York, U.S.
15 Win 15–0 Giovanni Delgado TKO 7 (8), 0:45 Mar 10, 2018 Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
14 Win 14–0 Victor Proa TKO 4 (8), 1:15 Oct 14, 2017 Livestock Showground, Mercedes, Texas, U.S.
13 Win 13–0 Fatiou Fassinou UD 8 Jul 15, 2017 Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, New York, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 Luis Fernando Saavedra UD 8 May 2, 2017 Sportsmen's Lodge, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 Raul Chirino TKO 4 (6), 2:54 Feb 21, 2017 Silver Street Studios, Houston, Texas, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Raymond Chacon UD 6 Oct 8, 2016 Sports Arena, Brownsville, Texas, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Adalberto Zorrilla KO 3 (6), 1:20 Jul 23, 2016 Scottish Rite Theatre, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Oldier Landin TKO 2 (6), 2:45 Jun 25, 2016 Scottish Rite Theatre, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Jonell Nieves TKO 5 (6), 1:31 May 28, 2016 Cowboys Dance Hall, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Jahaziel Vazquez TKO 2 (4), 0:30 Apr 23, 2016 Pharr Events Center, Pharr, Texas, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Harold Reyes TKO 6 (6), 2:25 Jan 12, 2016 Cowboys Dance Hall, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Francisco Muro UD 4 Dec 12, 2015 AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Ramiro Ruiz TKO 4 (4), 1:17 Oct 10, 2015 Pharr Events Center, Pharr, Texas, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Ricardo Mena TKO 1 (4), 0:51 Jun 26, 2015 State Farm Arena, Hidalgo, Texas, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Hector Gutierrez UD 4 May 9, 2015 State Farm Arena, Hidalgo, Texas, U.S.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Showtime Championship Boxing tale of the tape prior to the Stephen Fulton fight.
  2. ^ "Brandon Figueroa is breaking and taking hearts". Premier Boxing Champions. 6 January 2019. Retrieved 2019-04-20.
  3. ^ Rosenthal, Michael (13 January 2019). "Brandon Figueroa Breaks Down, Stops Moises Flores in Three". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  4. ^ Boxing Photos (19 April 2019). "Photos: Brandon Figueroa, Yonfrez Parejo - On Point To Fight". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  5. ^ Palmer, Ian (19 April 2019). "Brandon Figueroa vs Yonfrez Parejo Betting Odds and Prediction". Sports Bet Listings | Your Ultimate Sports Betting Resource. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  6. ^ Manzano, Gilbert (20 April 2019). "Brandon Figueroa Stops Parejo For WBA Interim-Title". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  7. ^ John, Marquis (28 June 2019). "Figueroa next title defense against Chacon". bigfightweekend.com. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  8. ^ Showtime Boxing (25 August 2019). "RESULTS: Brandon Figueroa beats Javier Chacon". boxing247.com. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  9. ^ Bright, Jordan (19 November 2019). "Deontay Wilder vs Luis Ortiz 2: How to watch, live stream, PPV price and start time". givemesport.com. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  10. ^ Christ, Scott (22 November 2019). "Wilder vs Ortiz 2 weigh-in results: Luis Nery and Julio Ceja miss weight, fights still on". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  11. ^ Idec, Keith (23 November 2019). "Brandon Figueroa, Julio Ceja Go To War - Fight Ends in Split Draw". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  12. ^ Christ, Scott (24 July 2019). "Damien Vazquez returns Aug. 24 with new trainer". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  13. ^ Fulcrum (23 September 2020). "Brandon Figueroa versus Damien Vazquez breakdown". boxingfulcrum.com. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  14. ^ O'Hara, Ryan (27 September 2020). "Brandon Figueroa scores one-sided tenth round TKO of Damien Vazquez". ringtv.com. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  15. ^ Stumberg, Patrick L. (10 December 2020). "Luis Nery vs Brandon Figueroa in the works for early 2021". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  16. ^ Stumberg, Patrick L. (13 April 2021). "Luis Nery vs Brandon Figueroa set for May 15th on Showtime". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  17. ^ Katzowitz, Josh. "Brandon Figueroa Vs. Luis Nery: Odds, Records, Prediction". forbes.com. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  18. ^ Manzano, Gilbert (16 May 2021). "Brandon Figueroa stops Luis Nery in 7th round to win WBC belt". ocregister.com. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  19. ^ Stumberg, Patrick L. (12 August 2021). "Stephen Fulton vs Brandon Figueroa pushed back to September 18th". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  20. ^ Donovan, Jake (7 September 2021). "Brandon Figueroa Tests Positive For Covid, Forced To Postpone Title Unification With Stephen Fulton". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  21. ^ "Brandon Figueroa-Stephen Fulton Fight Rescheduled For November 27 On Showtime". boxingscene.com. 16 September 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  22. ^ Fucillo, David (22 November 2021). "Brandon Figueroa vs. Stephen Fulton odds: How odds have opened for junior featherweight title bout". dknation.draftkings.com. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  23. ^ Hale, Andreas (28 November 2021). "Brandon Figueroa vs. Stephen Fulton Jr. results: Fulton unifies 122-pound titles via thrilling majority decision". sportingnews.com. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  24. ^ Idec, Keith (8 June 2022). "Brandon Figueroa To Face Carlos Castro In Showtime's Co-Feature July 9". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  25. ^ Rosenthal, Michael (9 July 2022). "Brandon Figueroa stops Carlos Castro in sixth round of title eliminator". boxingjunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  26. ^ Idec, Keith (9 July 2022). "Brandon Figueroa Drops, Stops a Game Carlos Castro in Sixth". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  27. ^ Donovan, Jake (9 November 2022). "Stephen Fulton-Brandon Figueroa Rematch In Play, Approved For Interim WBC Featherweight Title". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
  28. ^ Stumberg, Patrick L. (11 January 2023). "Stephen Fulton vs Brandon Figueroa rematch headlines February 25th Showtime tripleheader". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  29. ^ Coppinger, Mike (17 January 2023). "Sources: Naoya Inoue, Stephen Fulton talk 122-lb. title bout". espn.com. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  30. ^ Random Hits (30 January 2023). "Brandon Figueroa vs. Mark Margsayo Showtime Tripleheader Official, March 4". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  31. ^ Idec, Keith (4 March 2023). "Brandon Figueroa Decisions Mark Magsayo in War of Wills, Captures Interim-WBC Title". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  32. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (10 April 2024). "Brandon Figueroa vs Jessie Magdaleno joins Canelo-Munguia PPV undercard". FIGHTMAG.
  33. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (5 May 2024). "Brandon Figueroa KO's Jessie Magdaleno with body shot to retain title". FIGHTMAG.
  34. ^ "Sources: Fulton, Figueroa book Dec. 14 rematch". ESPN.com. 9 October 2024.
  35. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (10 October 2024). "Stephen Fulton vs Brandon Figueroa 2 lands on Davis-Roach undercard". FIGHTMAG.
  36. ^ Salazar, Francisco (10 October 2024). "Stephen Fulton-Brandon Figueroa rematch tentatively scheduled for Dec. 14". The Ring.
  37. ^ Donovan, Jake (3 October 2022). "Brandon Figueroa Arrested For Alleged DWI In Hidaldgo County, Texas". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
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Sporting positions
World boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Moises Flores
WBA super bantamweight champion
Interim title

April 20, 2019 – October 31, 2019
Promoted
Vacant
Title next held by
Ra'eese Aleem
Preceded by
Daniel Roman
Promoted
WBA super bantamweight champion
Regular title

October 31, 2019 – November 27, 2021
Stripped
Title discontinued
Preceded by WBC super bantamweight champion
May 15, 2021 – November 27, 2021
Succeeded by
Vacant
Title last held by
Óscar Escandón
WBC featherweight champion
Interim title

March 4, 2023 – present
Incumbent