I Don’t Feel Different, I Feel Completely Normal-Fulton Speaks On Newfound Road Warrior Role

Stephen Fulton has fully accepted his new role as a street fighter.

The unified WBC/WBO featherweight champion from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania feels right at home when he arrives in Japan on July 11.

He’ll be in the country for a full two weeks when the opening bell rings for his stellar match against former champion Naoya Inoue on July 25 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.

“I don’t feel any different. Fulton said when he met the Japanese press during a recent media day.

“I feel completely normal. This is not my first time leaving the country. I have competed outside the US as an amateur and semi-pro. This is only my first time as a professional.

Fulton (21-0.8KOs) is competing outside the United States as a pro for the first time and will attempt to defend his third overall title with at least one title.

His reign began when in January 2021 he defeated then undefeated young featherweight champion Angelo Liu.

The undefeated team – who turned 29 on Monday – then beat Brandon Figueroa by majority decision in a WBC/WBO rematch in November 2021 in Las Vegas.

Their massive twelve-round fight was recognized by BoxingScene.com and chosen by the stores as their 2021 Fight of the Year.

Only one bout has come in his 2022 campaign, a point victory over former WBA/IBF 122-pound player Danny Roman on June 4 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Two matches were on Fulton’s radar after that – a full blown rematch against then-undefeated WBA/IBF team Murodjon Akhmadaliyev, or a match against Inoue Yokohama (24-0, 21KO).

The latter occurred shortly after Inoue relinquished the undisputed bantamweight throne in January, exactly one month after unifying the entire division in a December 13 knockout win over Paul Butler.

Fulton and Inoue wasted no time coming to terms after they entered negotiations earlier this year.

Fulton is set to hit the road on his highest-paid day to date, as well as the toughest challenge of his already stellar career.

He is currently a +265 underdog according to sportsbook bet 365, which lists Inoue as a -360 favorite to become a four-place champion.

The visiting Americans were also indifferent to the possibility of him fighting against what could be a partisan mob, but still respectfully supported Inoue.

“I do not mind. I’m not worried,” Fulton insisted. “I feel really normal. I love kissing her. I like to hug people anywhere so I don’t feel stressed out.