Brandon Figueroa Aims to Bounce Back Strong with New Trainer, New Mindset Ahead of July 19 Return

LAS VEGAS, NV — Two-division world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa is gearing up for a major return to the ring, as he takes on veteran contender Joet Gonzalez in the opening bout of a stacked PBC Pay-Per-View card headlined by Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios. The event takes place Saturday, July 19, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, airing live on Prime Video.

After dropping a tightly contested rematch with Stephen Fulton Jr. for the WBC Featherweight World Title, Figueroa (24-2-1, 18 KOs) has made key changes to reignite his championship run. Most notably, he’s joined forces with highly respected trainer Manny Robles, aiming to refine his already high-output, aggressive style.

“I talked to my dad about wanting to get to the next level,” said Figueroa. “I’ve been here with Manny [Robles] ever since and I’m really happy with it. The chemistry is great, and I trust him. If this is what it takes to get to that next level, I’m gonna put in 110 percent.”

Figueroa, known for his relentless inside fighting and durability, is focused on reclaiming a featherweight world title before eyeing a move up in weight. Standing at 5'9", he believes his frame and skill set are primed to eventually conquer a third division.

“My goal is to become a featherweight world champion again before moving up. 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.”

The challenge ahead is far from soft. Joet Gonzalez (27-4, 15 KOs) has shared the ring with some of the best at 126 lbs, including Shakur Stevenson, Emanuel Navarrete, and Isaac Dogboe. All of his losses have come against former or current world champions. In March, he rebounded with a decision win over Arnold Khegai.

“Joet is a come-forward pressure fighter,” Figueroa observed. “That fits perfectly with my style. I’m very comfortable on the inside. If you fight me on the inside, it’s gonna be a tough night. We’re two good inside fighters, and we’ll see who can capitalize on the mistakes.”

The July 19 card carries extra meaning for Figueroa, who will be opening for boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, fighting for the first time since his 2021 retirement.

“I could never have imagined I’d be fighting on a Manny Pacquiao undercard,” said Figueroa. “He fought at MGM in 1998—I was two years old, and that’s the first year I ever put gloves on. He’s the people’s champ, and it’s a blessing to share the stage with a legend.”

“Everyone wants to perform with a great like Manny coming back. It’s historic. It’s my job to open this card in great fashion. We’re aiming for Fight of the Night—maybe even Fight of the Year.”

As Figueroa eyes redemption, world title aspirations, and a new phase of his career, all eyes will be on his performance July 19—on a night that’s shaping up to be a celebration of boxing’s past, present, and future.