Time might be on the side of 23-year-old Luis Nunez but the highly-ranked featherweight contender believes that his championship moment will soon arrive.

After being considered more of a prospect, the Dominican native successfully embarked on an early career-defining 2022. With three consecutive victories underneath his belt, two of which came via stoppage, his placement amongst the division’s elite is ostensibly forthcoming.

As he continues to lay the foundational groundwork for his title aspirations, the up-and-comer took the time to take in the sights. This past weekend, at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, Brandon Figueroa cruised to a unanimous decision victory over Mark Magsayo. In doing so, the 26-year-old snagged the WBC featherweight interim crown.

Seemingly impressed by Figueroa’s work rate and propensity to stand and bang, Nunez (18-0, 13 KOs) tipped his cap to the former 122-pound titlist.

“Brandon did a very good job pressing him,” said Nunez to BoxingScene.com. “Magsayo couldn't take the pressure, he didn't adjust.”

Figueroa’s addition to the shark-filled waters at 126 pounds was met by a wry smile from Nunez. Of course, before sauntering his way through his second division, Figueroa (24-1-1, 18 KOs) sulked as he's still under the assumption that an injustice had occurred.

In what developed into a fight of the year candidate against Stephen Fulton in 2021, the Texas product wholeheartedly believed that he was given the short end of the stick. Ultimately, Figueroa is keeping his fingers crossed that at some point, both he and Fulton can rekindle their rivalry.

In the immediate, however, Figueroa is attempting to get accustomed to life with a gigantic target placed on his backside. Amongst those who are taking aim, unsurprisingly, is Nunez. Although his focus remains on his April 8th ring return, Nunez is convinced that a matchup between himself and Figueroa will come to fruition sooner rather than later.

“Hopefully it’ll be a future fight.” 

Nunez will first collide with Christian Olivo, as part of a Showtime televised opener next Saturday night at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. The event will be headlined by a junior middleweight clash between Sebastian Fundora and Brian Mendoza.