Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa has paired up with trainer Manny Robles ahead of his July 19 bout with Joet Gonzalez.
They meet on the big Las Vegas PBC bill-topped by Manny Pacquiao’s return to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
Figueroa, a two-division champion, lost his WBC featherweight belt to Stephen Fulton Jnr, and he hired the well-respected Robles in a bid to improve.
“I talked to my dad about wanting to get to the next level and said I wanted to get with the right team and grow as a fighter,” said Figueroa. “I’ve been here with Manny ever since and I’m really happy with it and can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been working on…The chemistry with Manny has been great and I trust him. We’re just going to keep getting better and better. If this is what it takes to get to that next level, I’m gonna put in 110 per cent.”
Fulton notched his second win over Figueroa, 25-2-1 (19 KOs), in February, having defeated him on a majority decision in 2021.
“I worked my butt off for my last fight, but I’ve been going harder now,” said Figueroa. “You need a great team, and it’s not that I didn’t have a great team before, but I needed something new. I don’t have my family here with me and that’s a sacrifice I had to make. I really love boxing and everything this sport represents and how everything is on you. That’s the mentality that I’m bringing into the ring.
“My goal is to become a featherweight world champion again before moving up in weight again. We’ve been on a mission to keep conquering weight classes. Right now featherweight is where we’re at and I can’t wait until fight night.”
Thirty-one-year-old Californian Gonzalez is 27-4 (15 KOs) and he is coming off a win over Arnold Khegai by split decision in March.
“From what I’ve seen watching his fights, Joet is a come-forward boxer and a pressure fighter,” added Figueroa. “He’s got great work rate and great pace. He fits perfectly for my style, because I won’t have to chase him or figure him out.
“I’m very comfortable fighting on the inside. If you fight me on the inside, it’s gonna be a tough night for you. We’re two good inside fighters and we’ll see who’s better and who can capitalize on each other’s mistakes. I know he’s gonna come hungry and ready on a big card. Neither of us wants to lose on this stage. I’m gonna go out there and give it my all.”
Figueroa is also fired up to impress on an MGM Grand show that will see the return of Hall of Famer Pacquiao.
“The energy is just different in this fight,” Figueroa concluded. “Everyone wants to perform with a great legend like Manny coming back. It’s historic. It’s my job to open up this card in great fashion. We’re trying to make this Fight of the Night and maybe Fight of the Year.”
