Brandon Figueroa has had a long wait to return to the ring, but 14 months later, he could be eyeing a year-end trophy as well.
Figueroa will face former world champion Jessie Magdaleno on Saturday, May 4 as part of the Prime Video pay-per-view show headlined by Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Figueroa (24-1-1, 18 KOs), also known as “The Heartbreaker,” has the WBC interim featherweight title and expected to face Rey Vargas in his next bout, but that never transpired. Now, he returns on a Canelo Alvarez pay-per-view card, which excites him even more about his boxing future, especially after defeating former world champion Mark Magsayo last March.
Figueroa wants to fight, regardless of who he is up against. Figueroa is looking for entertaining fights, whether it’s a rematch with Stephen Fulton, a title battle with Rey Vargas, or something else.
“I’ve been waiting for [WBC featherweight world champion] Rey Vargas and I’ve been patient,” Figueroa stated in a statement. “I seized this opportunity since I’d been yearning to fight. I just want to battle the greatest of the best. If Vargas wants to fight this year, let’s do it. If not, I would like to rematch Stephen Fulton. I just want to continue giving Fight of the Year candidates.”
Figueroa is known for his action-packed approach, with defense often being an afterthought in his fights, which has helped him establish a loyal following, but he is not looking past the experienced veteran Magdaleno (29-2, 18 KOs).
“Jessie is a former world champion with a cause. He has worked with the greatest of the best.
“That’s all I could ask for,” Figueroa said. “He’s someone who I don’t have to look for in the ring and that’s gonna deliver fireworks for the fans.”
The polite Figueroa even stated that he is looking forward to returning to the ring in front of a predominantly Mexican audience.
“It’s gonna be fireworks,” Figueroa remarked. “It’s going to be a great Mexican atmosphere on May 4 and I know that I’ll have my people back home supporting me.”
Figueroa is looking for a huge year. The former unified junior featherweight champion, who won the WBA and WBC championships after defeating Luis Nery, is now aiming for a huge 2024.
