Figueroa's Professional Boxing Career: From Super Bantamweight to Featherweight Champion
The professional trajectory of Figueroa is a testament to resilience and tactical growth in the ring. Starting his career in the super bantamweight division, he quickly established himself as a formidable force, combining a high knockout rate with the endurance required for championship bouts. His journey has seen him navigate multiple weight classes, capture several prestigious titles, and face some of the most challenging opponents in the sport.
Key Facts
- Professional Debut: May 9, 2015, against Hector Gutierrez.
- Early Dominance: Amassed an 18–0 record in his first four years, including 13 stoppage victories.
- Major Titles Held: WBA interim super bantamweight, WBA regular super bantamweight, WBC interim featherweight, and WBA featherweight champion.
- Notable Victories: Knockouts of Luis Nery and Jessie Magdaleno, and a unanimous decision over Mark Magsayo.
- Weight Class Transition: Successfully moved from the super bantamweight (122 lbs) to the featherweight division.
Rise in the Super Bantamweight Division
Figueroa began his professional journey with a unanimous decision victory over Hector Gutierrez. Over the following four years, he built an undefeated 18–0 record, showcasing his power with 13 stoppage wins. This momentum led him to a title opportunity on April 20, 2019, where he faced Yonfrez Parejo for the vacant WBA interim super bantamweight title.
Despite a competitive start, Figueroa took control of the fight from the fifth round onward, securing an eight-round stoppage victory. This win solidified his position as a top contender in the division.
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Defending the WBA Regular Title
As the WBA Regular super bantamweight champion, Figueroa faced Julio Ceja on November 23, 2019. The bout was complicated by Ceja arriving 4.5 lbs over the 122 lbs weight limit, meaning the title was only at stake for Figueroa. The match ended in a split decision draw, with judges scoring it 116–112 for Ceja, 115–113 for Figueroa, and 114–114.
Figueroa returned to the ring on September 26, 2020, against Damien Vazquez. Entering the fight as a heavy favorite, Figueroa secured a tenth-round technical knockout (TKO)—a finish where the referee stops the fight because a fighter can no longer safely defend themselves.
Unification and the Clash with Luis Nery
In a highly anticipated title unification bout on May 15, 2021, Figueroa faced WBC champion Luis Nery. Although Nery dominated the early stages of the fight and entered as the betting favorite, Figueroa delivered a stunning seventh-round knockout. The fight was officially stopped at the 2:18 mark of the seventh round after referee Thomas Taylor waved off the bout as Nery attempted to rise from the canvas.
Challenges and Transition to Featherweight
Figueroa's run in the super bantamweight division met a hurdle during a unification bout with WBO titleholder Stephen Fulton. Originally scheduled for September 2021, the fight was delayed twice—first to accommodate a main event change and second due to Figueroa testing positive for COVID-19. On November 27, 2021, Figueroa lost via a controversial majority decision (114–114 and two 112–116 scores).
Following this loss, Figueroa moved up to the featherweight division. On July 9, 2022, he participated in a title eliminator against Carlos Castro, winning by a controversial sixth-round TKO after scoring a knockdown in the third round.
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WBC Interim Featherweight Success
On March 4, 2023, Figueroa faced former WBC featherweight champion Mark Magsayo for the interim title. Figueroa won by unanimous decision, with judges scoring the bout 117–110, 117–110, and 118–110. Magsayo's total was impacted by two point deductions for excessive holding.
Figueroa continued his dominance in the division on May 4, 2024, defeating Jessie Magdaleno via a ninth-round knockout delivered by a left body shot.
The Path to the WBA Featherweight Championship
After a scheduled rematch with Stephen Fulton (set for February 1, 2025), Figueroa set his sights on the WBA featherweight title. On February 7, 2026, in Liverpool, England, Figueroa challenged Nick Ball. Figueroa emerged victorious with a 12th-round TKO, officially becoming the WBA featherweight champion.
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Career Summary Table
| Opponent | Date | Result | Title/Stakes | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yonfrez Parejo | April 20, 2019 | Win | WBA Interim Super Bantamweight | 8th Round Stoppage |
| Luis Nery | May 15, 2021 | Win | WBA/WBC Unification | 7th Round KO |
| Stephen Fulton | Nov 27, 2021 | Loss | WBA/WBO Unification | Majority Decision |
| Mark Magsayo | March 4, 2023 | Win | WBC Interim Featherweight | Unanimous Decision |
| Nick Ball | Feb 7, 2026 | Win | WBA Featherweight | 12th Round TKO |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Figueroa win the WBA featherweight title?
Figueroa won the WBA featherweight title by defeating Nick Ball via a 12th-round TKO on February 7, 2026, in Liverpool, England.
Who did Figueroa fight in his first title bout?
Figueroa fought Yonfrez Parejo on April 20, 2019, for the vacant WBA interim super bantamweight title, winning by an eight-round stoppage.
What happened during the Figueroa vs. Luis Nery fight?
Although Nery dominated the early rounds, Figueroa knocked him down in the seventh round. Referee Thomas Taylor stopped the fight at 2:18 of the seventh round, awarding Figueroa the victory by KO.
Why was the first fight against Stephen Fulton delayed?
The bout was postponed twice: first to replace the Canelo Alvarez vs. Caleb Plant main event, and second because Figueroa tested positive for COVID-19.
How did the fight against Mark Magsayo end?
Figueroa won by unanimous decision. The victory was aided by the fact that Magsayo had two points deducted for excessive holding during the eighth and eleventh rounds.