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Former super bantamweight world champion Stephen Fulton (21-1, 8 KOs) will return to the ring following a career-first defeat to Naoya Inoue.
Fulton’s returns against Mexican veteran Carlos Castro (30-2, 14 KOs) on the prelim section of the Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez–Edgar Berlanga undercard tomorrow night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Fulton moves up to featherweight in a scheduled ten-round bout against a much more informed and active Castro despite the opposition not being near the standard of the 30-year-old American.
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Prior to an eighth-round stoppage against the Japanese superstar in Tokyo, Fulton’s name was being mentioned as a candidate for lower echelons of the pound-4-pound list, which is now far from the radar due to another long period of inactivity. The last five years has seen him only have five fights, albeit four of the five being world title fights. Fulton scored a wide unanimous decision victory over Daniel Roman in his most recent victory, which astonishingly came on June 4, 2022, close to another 14 months before his loss to Inoue. Fulton’s first world title victory against Angelo Leo three and a half years ago has aged well. Ten months later, he would unify his WBO belt with Brandon Figueroa’s WBC strap. Inactivity had never appeared to affect the Philadelphia native. It was unlikely the cause of his defeat to Inoue last year. It will be telling how Fulton responds to his first defeat and what he and new trainer Bozy Ennis have worked on since.
Fulton told Boxing News at today’s official press conference that, “I expect him to bring his A-game. I’ll adjust, and I want to stop him; I know I can. In the lower weight class at 122, I couldn’t get much power when I was damn near coming down 25-30 pounds. I have campaigned at 122 since I started in 2014. Now I’m at a bigger weight class, I’m stronger. I displayed it in the gym, and now I’m going to display it in my fights.”
What To Expect From Carlos Castro?
Castro, 30, went largely under the radar until upsetting Genesis Servania on the Jose Ramirez-Jose Zepeda undercard on February 10, 2019; a unanimous decision win at super bantamweight. Five more victories followed, ending with stoppage wins over Cesar Juarez and Oscar Escandon. Castro’s 27 undefeated streak came to an end against fellow Mexican Luis Nery. He would start terribly finding himself on the canvas in the first round but would battle back to a narrowest of spilt decisions over ten rounds. However, his durability came undone in his next bout with Brandon Figueroa five months later. Having been down in the third round, Castro would ultimately receive his first knockout loss in the sixth. Castro has rebuilt with three straight wins in his hometown of Phoenix against lesser-known opposition. In the two fights where Castro faced elite opposition, he saw the canvas four times, losing both bouts.
Stephen Fulton Jr. vs. Carlos Castro Prediction
Fulton has said he’s looking to “stop” Castro. He’s likely to make that happen when you look through both men’s recent fights. Fulton’s demotion to the prelims following five straight world title fights has openly upset him and gives him a point to prove in a constantly shifting featherweight division.
Stephen Fulton Jr. vs. Carlos Castro Betting Odds
Per BetMGM, Stephen Fulton Jr. is the favorite at -750, and Carlos Castro is the underdog at +500.
Stephen Fulton Jr.: TKO/KO +300; Decision -225
Draw: +2200
Carlos Castro: TKO/KO +1200; Decision +900
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TODAY'S BEST
Lewis Crocker vs. Paddy Donovan 2 Set For September 13 In Belfast
Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan will rematch for the vacant IBF Welterweight World Title at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast on Saturday September 13, shown live worldwide on DAZN. The historic clash will be the first time two boxers from the island of Ireland have met in a World Title fight, and the 18-500 capacity home of the Northern Ireland football team will host the biggest all-Irish fight ever. The first meeting between the rivals earlier this year in March was a Final Eliminator for the IBF World Title and ended in highly controversial fashion with Belfast’s Crocker taking the win by disqualification at the SSE Arena. Limerick’s Donovan, who had twice previously been deducted points, was disqualified at the end of the eighth round for punching after the bell. ‘The Real Deal’ was well ahead on all three judge’s scorecards before his disqualification. An appeal from Donovan’s team resulted in the IBF granting a rematch which would again serve as a Final Eliminator for the World Title – but with Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis moving up to Super-Welterweight, the huge rematch will now be for the vacant World Title. “This is the fight I’ve wanted since the final bell of the first one,” said Crocker. “To run it back for the IBF World Title — and to do it such an iconic stadium in Belfast, in front of my own people — is something I’ve dreamed of my whole life. “This isn’t just a rematch. It’s my chance to silence the doubters and prove I’m the best welterweight in the world. I know exactly what I need to do — and on fight night, I’m leaving with that World Title.” “It’s going to be a great atmosphere in Belfast on fight night,” said Donovan. “I’m looking to repeat another stellar boxing performance, set the record straight and come home with a World Title. I can’t wait!” “This is absolutely huge – the first ever all-Irish World Title fight,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “The first meeting between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan had it all – an electric build-up, guts, knockdowns and a hugely controversial ending. That drama-filled night in March has set the rematch up perfectly, and September 13 promises to be even bigger and better. “We expect a sell-out crowd at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast and one of the best atmospheres you’ve ever witnessed in Irish boxing – you do not want to miss this one. The first boxing event at Windsor Park since Irish icon Carl Frampton headlined here back in 2018, and the main event couldn’t be more fitting. Two of the best Welterweights in the world battling it out for the IBF World Title. Watch it live around the world only on DAZN.” “This is a monumental occasion — the first ever all-Irish World Title fight,” said Crocker’s manager Jamie Conlan. “The controversy surrounding the first bout, combined with the fact that it’s taking place at Northern Ireland’s national stadium, takes an already massive fight and makes it truly historic. “Lewis Crocker lives just a stone’s throw from Windsor and has followed Linfield Football Club since he was a boy, so for his first World Title fight to be held at the stadium is something out of a dream. This isn’t just a fight — it’s a moment in Irish boxing history, and Lewis is ready to seize it.” Irish FA Chief Executive, Patrick Nelson, said: “Live sport unites communities across Northern Ireland, and we’re thrilled to build on the success of our previous boxing event in August 2018. “We are proud to be partnering with Matchroom in hosting this world championship bout that not only showcases top-tier boxing but also highlights the versatility of the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park as a multi-purpose venue.” “The first battle ended in highly controversial fashion, and I can’t wait to see them run it back – this time for world honours,” said Alfie Sharman VP DAZN. “It was a brilliant back and forth in front of an electric crowd. The rematch promises so much more. I expect Donovan to bring that same energy and Crocker to be better than before. It has all the makings of a classic. Watch it live and exclusive only on DAZN.”
Vikings training camp recap, Day 2: Defense continues to impress
It probably shouldn't come as a surprise that through two days of training camp, the Vikings' defense appears to be pretty far ahead of the offense. Brian Flores is now in his third season as Minnesota's defensive coordinator, and many of his key players have been in the scheme since he arrived. Others are now in their second year, and even some of the newcomers seem to have picked things up quickly over the course of this offseason. Meanwhile, the Vikings are breaking in an offense with a new starting quarterback (and a new backup), as well as some new pieces on the offensive line and elsewhere. Expected or not, my main takeaway from Thursday's practice was how impressive this defense already looks. On a beautiful 80-degree day at TCO Performance Center, Flores' group appeared to be in mid-camp form, if not ready for the regular season to begin already. That was also the case on Wednesday, when they snagged a pair of pick-sixes on the first day of camp. The lone interception on Thursday went to 14th-year safety Harrison Smith, the league's active leader in picks by a healthy margin. In a 7-on-7 period, he snagged a J.J. McCarthy pass that deflected off of Lucky Jackson's hands, then — in humorous Smith fashion — proceeded to lateral it to teammate Jay Ward shortly thereafter. So many different members of the first-team defense stood out at least once. Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, and Harrison Phillips blew up run plays and got into the backfield. Jonathan Greenard roasted tackles with speed off the edge. Blake Cashman burst unblocked through a gap on a blitz for a would-be sack. Ivan Pace Jr. did the same off a stunt. Isaiah Rodgers made a great play to break up a McCarthy back-shoulder ball intended for Rondale Moore (who, at 5'7", probably won't be the recipient of many back-shoulder targets in game action). The Vikings were second in defensive DVOA last season, and I don't think there's any question that they got better — at least on paper — over the course of the offseason. That doesn't guarantee more dominance this season. But it's hard not to get excited about a defense that has a chance to be incredible up front with Allen, Hargrave, Phillips, Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Cashman, and Pace. If the secondary reaches its potential, Flores could be cooking with all kinds of gas this season. That context is also why no one should panic if McCarthy and the offense aren't particularly sharp over the course of training camp. This defense might just be better than any they'll see over the entire regular season. Here are some other notes from Thursday's practice. Jeff Okudah is a player to watch. He's the No. 3 corner with the first-team defense right now, alongside Byron Murphy Jr. and Rodgers. The former No. 3 overall pick is on his fourth team in as many seasons, but he's only 26 years old, and if anyone is going to help him revive his career, it feels like Flores and Daronte Jones could be the coaches to do it. Okudah is physical and not afraid to come up in run support, which he did for a would-be TFL in this practice. Mekhi Blackmon has been working with the second-team defense so far. I think I'm obligated by law to comment on McCarthy's performance, even if just for a few sentences, every day throughout camp. I thought he was fine on Thursday, but maybe a bit more shaky than on Day 1. There was the INT to Smith. He also sailed a ball over Justin Jefferson's head when trying to layer an intermediate throw early in practice, which led to a discussion with Kevin O'Connell and others while watching the replay. But McCarthy also completed plenty of passes, most of them of the short variety. He's shown quite the rapport with Jordan Addison, who was his top target in this practice after Jefferson departed (more on that in a second). McCarthy's fastball is impressive, and he used it to connect with players like Addison, Jalen Nailor, and even rookie Tai Felton late in practice. His best throw of the day was an intermediate out route to Addison, who was covered tightly by Theo Jackson. Jefferson sat out most of the team drills out of precaution after experiencing some minor tightness in his legs following a leaping catch. You can read more on that here, but the key thing to emphasize is that it's nothing significant or concerning. Josh Metellus, whose full participation in Wednesday's practice was a story due to his contract situation, watched practice from the sideline on Thursday due to what the Vikings described as a minor ankle issue. It'll be interesting to see if Nos. 18 and/or 44 are out there on Friday. Some of the depth guys on the defensive line will be fun to track over the course of camp. Levi Drake Rodriguez goes 110 percent all the time and ended up in the backfield on a couple plays, including one where he wound up on the ground near Sam Howell's legs (which coaches don't like). Jalen Redmond burst through the line for a TFL at one point. On another rep, Gabriel Murphy and rookie Elijah Williams put pressure on Max Brosmer, who got a few snaps in this practice after not seeing any on Wednesday. Brosmer, by the way, attempted the longest throw of the day, but it was just out of the reach of a well-covered Dontae Fleming. More Vikings coverage
Chris Pronger to Connor McDavid: A Lost Edmonton Oilers Decade
In the spring of 2006, Chris Pronger was traded to the Edmonton Oilers. He then did something no one thought possible: he made the Edmonton Oilers a Stanley Cup contender again. That playoff run was legendary. Pronger logged enormous minutes, quarterbacked the power play, killed penalties, and led the team in scoring. In every zone and every moment, he was the difference-maker. He was the kind of player who gave an entire franchise a sense of direction—and belief. And then, just weeks after that Game 7 heartbreak in Carolina, he was gone. The Impact of the Oilers Losing a True No. 1 Blueliner Pronger’s trade request stunned the city and changed everything. Instead of building around a generational defenseman in his prime, the Oilers entered a prolonged decline. The team wouldn’t return to the playoffs for another decade. But what if he had stayed? It’s not just about Pronger’s elite play. It’s about the ripple effect of having that kind of presence anchoring a lineup. With Pronger in the fold, free agents might have been more willing to come. The team wouldn’t have scrambled to fill the void on the blue line with a carousel of short-term fixes. Young players could have developed under a true leader instead of inheriting pressure without support. The Oilers Championship Window Closed Too Soon The Oilers were close in 2006. It was not a fluke, but it was a team suddenly galvanized by elite goaltending from Dwayne Roloson, role players like Mike Peca, top-six grit like Ryan Smyth and Fernando Pisani, and above all, Pronger’s towering presence. Run it back even one more year, and who knows? A healthy Roloson, a stabilized core, and the confidence of a team that knew how close they came. Perhaps 2007 would be the season that ended differently for the Oilers. Instead, the Oilers lost their best player and wandered through the wilderness for ten years. How bad did the Oilers become? The 2006–07 season was a major disappointment in Edmonton, capped by the emotional deadline trade of fan favorite Smyth to the New York Islanders. That collapse marked the beginning of a long drought, as the team went on to miss the playoffs for 10 straight seasons until finally returning in 2016–17. Hockey Is Filled with What Ifs, the Oilers Are No Exception Hockey is full of what-ifs. But this one lingers. Because Pronger did come to Edmonton, and he did show what was possible. And for one electric spring, it looked like the Oilers had found the player who could lead them back to greatness. We just never got to find out how far that road might have gone. Fortunately, the team’s return to the playoffs in 2016–17 was spearheaded by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. And that’s where the team is today. It’s a new era of success, but it took ten years to get there.
Could a reunion be in the cards for Rangers HC and this defenseman?
New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury has enjoyed an excellent offseason thus far, ticking items off his ‘to do’ list with encouraging regularity. That said, there are still holes to fill on this Rangers team, like the bottom of the Rangers' defensive corps. Adam Fox is a star and Vladislav Gavrikov is a perfect acquisition, sorting out the top pairing. Will Borgen and Braden Schneider, health permitting, should form a solid second pairing. The third pairing, however, remains up in the air. On paper, Carson Soucy is an outstanding third pair D-man. He's big, nasty and responsible in his own end. Last season, though, he was horrible with both the Rangers and the Vancouver Canucks. Never the swiftest of movers, Soucy looked far older than his birth certificate (30) might suggest. He was caught out of position an alarming number of times and, given he provides zero offense, was a huge negative overall. Brought in to fix an ailing defense, Soucy instead poured kerosene onto the blaze. Scott Morrow is an intriguing prospect. Acquired in the K’Andre Miller deal to Carolina, the 22-year-old possesses good size (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) and swift feet while being very offensive minded. Learning at the foot of Fox should only help Morrow’s development. That said, he’s currently a pronounced liability in his own end, prone to the sort of haziness and losses of concentration that saw Miller drive Rangers fans crazy. In time, he’ll be a good one, but the question remains: is that time now? No other option inspires a ton of confidence. Urho Vaakanainen? He’s … fine? Responsible enough defensively but provides little offense and doesn’t exactly own the defensive zone, either. Matthew Robertson, a former second-round pick, played the final two games of last season. Those are his only two games in the NHL. He’s big and can skate, but is 24 and simply could be destined to be an AHL/NHL swingman? E.J. Emery and Drew Fortescue are still far too green for the big leagues. Conner Mackey and Derrick Pouliot set precisely zero hearts racing. With a gap that requires filling, does new head coach Mike Sullivan look to his old team in Pittsburgh and seek a reunion with Matt Grzelcyk? The 31-year-old only played one season under Sullivan after a career spent in Boston, but that one season was clearly his best. His 40 points (one goal, 39 assists) was, by far, a career high, despite playing on a poor Penguins team. Sullivan clearly trusts Grzelyck, his 20:37 of average ice time was also a career high. Despite the lack of goals, Grzelyck is an accomplished power play conductor, his 15 assists last season tied for the team lead with Sidney Crosby. His breakout passing at 5-on-5 is eye-opening. At the same time, he is responsible defensively. He’s also a playoff veteran, with 66 games under his belt. Grzelyck’s agent, Matt Fish, recently told ESPN that his client is looking for ‘the best fit’ and that is where the Rangers may fall short. Would Grzelyck be happy on a second on third pairing? He won’t see PP1 minutes on a team with Fox, so would he be satisfied with quarterbacking the second power play? Of course, the bright lights in New York would mean that Grzelyck remains in the national conscious, no matter how the Rangers perform as a team. If he is looking to get one last decent deal, he could do worse than play in a major market. Grzelyck would be the bridge player that allows the Rangers to let Morrow marinate in the AHL for another season. If Sullivan isn’t happy with his in-house options, he might just lean on his relationship with Grzelyck to convince him to come to Broadway.
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