- Ellison High School alumnus Darius Fulghum (14-1) faces David Stevens on Nov. 8 after his first professional loss.
- Signed to Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, Fulghum is also a registered nurse with a degree from Prairie View A&M.
- Despite his loss, Fulghum’s performance was praised, and his stock continues to rise in the super middleweight division.
- The Killeen native credits his high school wrestling coach for instilling the mindset that fuels his high-level career.
Ten years after graduating from Ellison High School, Darius Fulghum is not just a proud alumnus; he’s a rising boxing star facing the most critical moment of his career. On Saturday, November 8, he will step into the ring at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, not just to win, but to bounce back from the first and only defeat on his professional record.
A Journey Forged in Killeen
Fulghum’s connection to his hometown runs deep. The super middleweight fighter, signed to Oscar De La Hoya’s prestigious Golden Boy Promotions, has famously represented his alma mater by wearing Ellison-branded trunks and even his letterman jacket to a press conference.
“I always represent Killeen because Killeen made me who I am today,” Fulghum stated. “I met so many people that have made a lasting impact on my life.”
Among those is Ellison wrestling head coach Michael Christ, whom Fulghum credits as a foundational influence. “I give a lot of thanks to him for being the first person to change my mindset, which helped me to compete at such a high level now,” he added.
From Student-Athlete to Registered Nurse
Before he was a professional boxer, Fulghum was a dedicated student-athlete at Ellison. He was a two-time state wrestling qualifier and football player who also managed a heavy load of advanced and dual-credit classes. His high school principal, David Dominguez, remembers him as a student with a “very positive presence on campus.”
This discipline carried over into his higher education. Fulghum is a graduate of Prairie View A&M, where he earned a nursing degree and is now a registered nurse—a testament to the multifaceted talent and determination his coaches saw in him early on.
The Rise in the Ring
Fulghum’s journey into boxing began after high school, and his ascent was rapid. In an impressive amateur career, he won the 2018 National Golden Gloves heavyweight title and was ranked as the No. 1 heavyweight in the United States. He even qualified for Team USA for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics before deciding to turn professional in 2021.
Since his debut, he has amassed a formidable record of 14-1 with 12 knockouts and is currently ranked sixth in his weight class by the World Boxing Association.
Facing Adversity: The Road to Redemption
The single blemish on his record came on May 30 of this year, in a unanimous decision loss to Bektemir Melikuziev. However, the defeat did not tarnish his reputation. Golden Boy Promotions praised his performance, noting that he “showed heart, composure and skill beyond his experience” and that “his stock only continues to rise.”
Now, with his focus squarely on his next opponent, David Stevens (15-2), Fulghum is fueled by the challenge of a comeback and the unwavering support from his hometown. “I feel so much love from Killeen because the people there genuinely want to see me succeed, and that is such a blessing,” he said. The upcoming fight isn’t just another bout; it’s a statement.
Image Referance: https://www.killeenisd.org/article/2525467