By: Sean Crose
Showtime put together a very interesting super bantamweight title fight tonight as Stephen Fulton 20–0 vs Daniel Roman 29-3-1 for the WBC and WBO welterweight world titles. Defending champion Fulton won his WBO title by defeating undefeated Angelo Leo last January. He then went on to win his WBC title, defeating the undefeated Brandon Figueroa in November. Roman held the IBF and WBA titles until 2020 when he lost them to Murodjon Akhmadaliev. The Battle of Fulton-Roman is scheduled to last 12 innings.
First, however, WBA 6-0 super-middleweight champion David Morrell faced Kalvin Henderson 15-1-1 in the scheduled 12th round. Morrell killed the bat in the first game. Henderson survived but ended the half with a cut. Morrell continued to pursue his elder with difficulty for the next two innings. Henderson had a few moments, but the fight nearly stopped in the final seconds of the third as Morrell battered his man. Henderson continued to be battered in the fourth inning. The referee, having seen enough, stopped the fight.
It’s time for the main event. Roman worked to get his man in the first place. Fulton used his stab to good effect in the second. By the third part, the fight will come to a single question – can Roman fall or suddenly stop the defending champion before the final bell rings? Fulton seemed to control well in the fourth installment. Roman, however, is nothing if not a game. Fulton was largely able to stay out of range in the sixth installment. He looked great throughout half the game.
Roman has increased his energy in the seventh part. Fulton’s movement continues to be a wonder in season eight. Roman didn’t stop coming in ninth. Is it enough? Fulton remained calm in the tenth, throwing punches and counterattacking well. Roman was able to land a bit in the eleventh round, but Fulton simply proved to be a sharper fighter. The final round saw Fulton play the invader to some extent. Is he looking to finish in style?
It could be said that Fulton walked out of the ring with both belts still in his possession, thanks to the unanimous decision of the judges.
