Brandon Figueroa has had a long wait to return to the ring but 14 months on he could also be eyeballing a year-end award as well. 

Figueroa will be featured on Saturday, May 4 against former world champion Jessie Magdaleno as part of the Prime Video pay-per-view card headlined by Saul “Canelo” Alvarez versus Jaime Munguia, which will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. 

Figueroa (24-1-1, 18 KOs), known by his nickname “The Heartbreaker” holds the WBC interim featherweight title and thought his next fight would be against Rey Vargas, but it never happened. Now, he returns on a Canelo Alvarez pay-per-view card—a moment that further excites him about his boxing prospects, especially building off his win over former world champion Mark Magsayo last March. 

Figueroa wants to fight and it doesn’t matter who against. Whether it is a rematch with Stephen Fulton, a title fight with Rey Vargas, or something else, Figueroa wants to be in entertaining bouts.

“I’ve been waiting for [WBC featherweight world champion] Rey Vargas and I’ve been patient,” said Figueroa. “ I took this opportunity because I’ve been itching to fight. I just want to fight the best of the best. If Vargas wants to fight this year, then let’s get it. If not, I’d love to rematch Stephen Fulton. I just want to keep delivering Fight of the Year candidates.”

Figueroa is known for his action-packed style – defense can be an afterthought in his fights – but that is helping him build a strong following but he is not looking past the experienced veteran Magdaleno (29-2, 18 KOs).

“Jessie is a former world champion for a reason. He’s been in with the best of the best and

that’s all I could ask for,” stated Figueroa. “He’s someone who I don’t have to look for in the ring and that’s gonna deliver fireworks for the fans.”

The respectful Figueroa even noted that he is excited to return to the ring in front of a largely Mexican crowd. 

“It’s gonna be fireworks,” added Figueroa. “It’s going to be a great Mexican atmosphere on May 4 and I know that I’ll have my people back home supporting me.”

Figueroa is hoping to have a big year. The former unified junior featherweight champion, who held the WBA and WBC titles after stopping Luis Nery, is now targeting a big 2024.