Resolution 210141

..Title Recognizing and honoring Philadelphia native Stephen Fulton on becoming the Junior Featherweight World Boxing Champion. ..Body WHEREAS, Junior Featherweight World Boxing Champion Stephen Fulton, affectionately known as "Cool Boy Steph," is a native of West Philadelphia. Fulton began learning the skill of boxing at the age of 12, and credits the sport with saving his life and keeping him on track; and WHEREAS, Fulton was trained by Hamza Muhammad out of the James Shuler Boxing Gym in West Philadelphia. During this time, Fulton earned amateur titles in the Silver and Golden Gloves; and WHEREAS, Prior to becoming the Junior Featherweight World Boxing Champion, Fulton boxing career was marked by numerous accomplishments. On May 11, 2019, Fulton won every round to dethrone two-time title-winner Paulus Ambunda as the International Boxing Organization's World Super Bantamweight Champion. In August of that same year, Fulton ended a competitive bout against Isaac Avelar with an impressive sixth-round knockout. On January 25, 2020, Fulton scored another win against Arnold Khegai at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, On Saturday, January 23, 2021, Fulton defeated Angelo Leo, winning the World Boxing Organization's Junior Featherweight title at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut; and WHEREAS, During the match, Fulton threw 1,183 punches-- the third-most thrown in the history of the 122-pound division. This is a significant stat, because prior to this match, Fulton averaged 15 less punches per round than other fighters in his division; and WHEREAS, The match on January 23, 2021 was also significant for Fulton, because he was originally scheduled to fight Angelo Leo in August of 2020, but tested positive for COVID-19 beforehand. Fulton suffered mentally and physically after the diagnosis, but focused on his road to recovery and his come-back to win the title; and WHEREAS, Stephen Fulton's most recent win makes him the only current boxing world champion from Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors Philadelphia native Stephen Fulton on becoming the Junior Featherweight World Boxing Champion. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Stephen Fulton as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. ..End