Last Saturday, WBC featherweight champion Stephen Fulton was quick to dismiss Bruce Carrington’s challenge, noting that Carrington hasn’t really faced any formidable opponents yet and shouldn’t be asking for a title fight against him.
In the spotlight for his 15-0 record, with 9 of those victories coming by knockout, Carrington called out both Fulton and WBA 126-lb champion Nick Ball. This came after he had an impressive third-round knockout against the relatively unknown Enrique Vivas in a match aired on ESPN from the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
Fulton took to social media right after the fight, commenting on Carrington’s seeming oversight of Rafael Espinoza, who boasts an undefeated 26-0 record with 22 knockouts. Many fans noticed this, questioning Carrington’s intentions as he dodged direct questions about Espinoza, leaving some to feel his response lacked conviction.
Carrington’s career path so far lacks marquee names, with his promoters at Top Rank guiding him towards a world title fight without firm tests against top-tier opponents. This strategic grooming has left many questioning whether he’s ready for the big stage.
In response to the callout, Fulton aired his thoughts quite candidly. He tweeted, “Nah, he’s a good fighter but honestly hasn’t fought anyone to demand a championship fight. His opponent last night just stood there with no defense. And then when someone like him loses, you all criticize him, but honestly, it’s just hype being promoted.”
Many suggest Carrington should take on Espinoza next if he wants to be taken seriously. Observers believe his focus on challenging Nick Ball and Fulton is more about the lucrative payday than about taking risks against a formidable fighter like the 6’1″ Espinoza.
Carrington, relishing his victory, boldly stated, “I had to make a big statement. Enrique Vivas has never been stopped before, and I did it in just three rounds. I’m on another level compared to anyone in my division,” showing a confident side to the press after the fight.
Acknowledging the competition within the 126 featherweight division, Carrington said, “I consider myself the best and will keep proving it until it’s undeniable.” He added that he anticipated a dominant performance, regardless of how it unfolded.
In response to questions about Rafael Espinoza, Carrington insisted, “I’ve been calling him out. I’m not avoiding anyone.” Emphasizing his latest victory, he added, “Enrique Vivas, a true warrior from Mexico, was no pushover. I’m tired of any attempts to minimize what I just achieved.”
It’s a fascinating scenario, with Carrington looking to cement his standing while Fulton stands firm in not budging for just any challenger. The ball now seems to be in Carrington’s court to take on someone like Espinoza to quiet his critics and prove he’s worthy of the spotlight.
