A Heartbreaker’s Next Step
By Eddie Sanchez
In an era that has largely been defined by fights that have not taken place, Brandon ‘The Heartbreaker’ Figueroa is doing his best to trump that trend.
The 24 year old from Weslaco, Texas is not going after a “used-to-be” fighter and is not waiting for an “opportune time in the future.” He is betting on himself that he is ready, right now, to take a sizable jump in competition.
Figueroa stands at 21-0-1 (16 KOs). He has owned a regular or interim belt in his past four fights, which, depending on who you ask, means he has never been a true champion. Take a quick scan at his resume and you will find men who offer limitations and stylistic-builds that fit his mold as a fighter. This will include questionable chins, lower mobility or an aggressive head-hunting nature.
Given his youth, it’s hard to fault him for his resume. With the exception of the respectable Julio Ceja (SD draw), Figueroa has left no questions between him and the men who stood in his opposite corner.
Unfortunately, one cannot simply disregard an opponent from one’s resume.
The boxing public has been made aware of possible limitations due to a lack of defense and ability to change pace. Ceja has fought respectable fighters, but at the time of their matchup, he was 2-3 in his last five fights. Exiting the fight with a SD Draw was a close call, but despite this near catastrophe, Figueroa will now take on the undefeated WBC Super Bantamweight Champion, Luis Nery (31-0, 24 KOs).
Nery has proven to be an exciting fighter with considerable power. He comes forward, hits you with smooth combinations and doesn’t shy away from the body. Some may argue that his style is tailor-made for Figueroa, and that may be the hope, but after seeing Brandon struggle with the punishment he received against Julio Ceja, there is an added layer of anticipation for this bout.
The greatest thing about this fight is that it represents what boxing should be about.
Does Brandon Figueroa have some questions? Yes!
Is he offering us a fight that will help answer these questions! Yes x 2!
He is not trying to take the easy way out and build his resume with considerable mismatches. Don’t believe me? Check out the odds yourself. Each fighter is listed with +100 odds, aka it’s a good old fashioned toss-up.
We are going to get an action packed fight that will help settle whether Brandon Figueroa is ready to become a star.
He is also with PBC, which is especially meaningful when you consider some of his peers. Here are some other PBC fighters with their respective opponents listed.
Jermall Charlo vs Juan Macias Montiel
Gervonta Davis vs Mario Barrios
David Benavidez vs Jose Uzcategui
Caleb Plant vs Boredom
*He is content with sitting on the sidelines for an expected bout with Canelo Alvarez near the end of the year.
Those four men are stars within the sport in some respect, but when you look at their opponents, there is far too much left to be desired. Gervonta Davis is in the middle of one of the deepest divisions in the sport, and has not even truly considered his four most prominent counterparts as options.
Jermall Charlo has done his best to dance around the elites within his division as well. He gets some credit for his bout with Sergiy Derevyanchenko, but beyond that, he has gotten off easy.
David Benavidez gets a slight pass given that this next bout will lead to a number one ranking with the WBC, but if you were to ask any fan with a decent sense of knowledge, they will tell you that he and Caleb Plant have no reason not to meet in the ring.
Premier Boxing Champions has been criticized considerably in the past, and for good reason (although you can argue the whole sport follows a similar path). Despite the trend with their promotion and others alike, Brandon Figueroa is providing fans a unique opportunity.
As a youthful fighter with considerable aspirations, he will step in the ring and take on a true challenge, with the goal of answering those questions related to his ability and standing in the sport.
Who would have thought? We have a real competitor in the midst folks! Tune into Showtime May 15th to learn where The Heartbreaker stands.
