Stephen Fulton Jr. misses weight for his July 25, 2026, fight against Liam Wilson in Sydney, Australia, leading to its cancellation. , a former two-division world champion, failed to make weight for his scheduled fight against Australia’s Liam Wilson in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday, July 25, 2026. This significant miss led to the outright cancellation of the bout, which was originally set for Sunday, July 26, 2026. Fulton weighed in at 139.5 pounds, far exceeding the agreed-upon 133-pound catchweight.
The contest, initially a WBA junior lightweight title eliminator, was already downgraded after Fulton’s team requested the catchweight earlier in the week. His inability to even reach this adjusted target now forces both fighters into an uncertain holding pattern, casting a shadow over the Tim Tszyu vs. Errol Spence Jr. undercard. No Limit Boxing officially confirmed the cancellation, citing Fulton’s weigh-in failure.
Stephen Fulton Jr.’s weight issues lead to fight cancellation
Stephen Fulton Jr.’s struggle to hit his target weight has become a recurring theme, culminating in the cancellation of his high-profile clash with Liam Wilson. Despite his team securing a 133-pound catchweight, up from the super featherweight limit of 130 pounds, Fulton missed by a considerable 6.5 pounds. He clocked in at 139.5 pounds during the official weigh-in on Saturday morning.
The American boxer had openly admitted to difficulties in shedding the necessary pounds before the weigh-in. He didn’t participate in open workouts on Thursday, July 23, 2026, stating he was intensely focused on making weight. This dedication, however, wasn’t enough to bridge the gap.
Fulton takes accountability on social media
Following the cancellation, Fulton took to X to express his regret and offer apologies. “Why would I fly all the way to Australia with no intentions to make weight,” he posted, directly addressing critics. He added, “Is it my fault yes and I take accountability, but I gave it my all!”
Fulton explained his physical limitations during the weight cut. He stated, “Once I got to 138 I wasn’t sweating any more.” He genuinely believed he could make the target. “I thought the 133lbs mark would be better but when I got to 138 there was nothing left to lose and no sweat coming from my body.”
Liam Wilson’s measured response to the setback
For Australian contender Liam Wilson, the cancellation represents a frustrating end to months of preparation. Despite the last-minute change and eventual scrapping of the bout, Wilson maintained a remarkably professional stance throughout. He’d already accepted the initial move to a 133-pound catchweight.
Wilson indicated the adjustment didn’t bother him, telling reporters, “I only worry about what happens on my side of the fence, what’s happens on his side is up to him. I’ve fought guys like him before. They’ve come in heavy. They don’t work that hard, or they think they have an advantage over you.
Whatever it may be if he needs to be a better version of himself coming in heavy, so be it.”
“Less weight to lose is better”
The initial allowance to move to 133 pounds was even seen as somewhat beneficial for Wilson. “If anything, it’s kind of relieving, less weight to lose,” he admitted. He made it clear he was ready for the original weight. “I’m a professional. 130 was the weight limit, and I was prepared to make that weight, but less weight to lose is better for me.”
No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose confirmed Wilson’s camp was entirely amenable to the shift. “When I approached Team Wilson, they didn’t care, they were ready,” Rose explained. “They don’t care what weight it’s at, they want this fight to happen.”
Broader implications for the Sydney fight card
The loss of the Fulton Jr. vs. Wilson bout is the latest in a series of setbacks for the Tim Tszyu vs. Errol Spence Jr. main card in Sydney. It had already seen Jermall Charlo withdraw from his planned fight against Koen Mazoudier earlier in the week. Charlo’s exit was reportedly due to visa issues, adding to the promoter’s headaches.
These last-minute changes are challenging for event organizers and fans alike. Promoters, like No Limit Boxing, must swiftly adapt to maintain the integrity of their fight cards. The company’s official statement succinctly announced the cancellation: “No Limit Boxing confirms the bout between Stephen Fulton Jr.
and Liam Wilson will not proceed, after Fulton failed to make weight at this morning’s official weigh-in. The contest has been cancelled.”
Main event still intact, undercard adjusted
Fortunately for fight fans, the headline act remains secure. Both Tim Tszyu and Errol Spence Jr. successfully made weight at 158.95 pounds, clearing the way for their main event clash. The card is still scheduled to take place at Afterpay Arena.
To compensate for the canceled bouts, Olympian Paulo Aokuso will now move up to the main card. He’s set to face Luis Tejeda from the Dominican Republic. This reshuffle aims to bolster the undercard after the significant withdrawals. How to watch fight details often change last minute.
Fulton’s future and weight management in boxing
Fulton’s repeated struggles on the scale, including being 2 pounds overweight for his previous fight against O’Shaquie Foster, point to a larger issue. He’s indicated a permanent move to a higher weight class. “I would most likely campaign as a lightweight moving forward,” Fulton stated, signaling an end to his junior lightweight aspirations.
This decision reflects the increasing difficulty many boxers face in maintaining low weights.
Such weight-cutting challenges highlight the physical toll boxing demands. Missing weight by such a margin isn’t just a contractual breach; it raises serious questions about a fighter’s long-term health and career trajectory. For Fulton, it means entering a new division, the lightweight class, which is packed with elite talent and different physical demands. His former success might need to be redefined there.
This incident also underscores the critical need for sound weight management practices in the sport. It’s a reminder of how quickly a highly anticipated event can unravel. Future fight negotiations for both Fulton and Wilson will undoubtedly consider these recent events. Fighters sometimes need to overcome challenges to continue their undisputed run.
Next steps for Fulton and Wilson
Stephen Fulton Jr. will now focus on his transition to the lightweight division. This move presents both opportunities and significant challenges, as he’ll contend with a new pool of formidable opponents. Adapting his fighting style and physical conditioning to a higher weight class will be crucial for his continued success in the sport.
Liam Wilson, despite the disappointment, emerges with his reputation intact for his professional conduct. Promoters will likely be keen to rebook him for a significant bout soon, perhaps even eyeing a mandatory defense opportunity. His readiness to fight under adverse circumstances will likely make him an attractive prospect for future fight cards.
