Omar Figueroa Jr.
Omar Figueroa Jr.

Omar Figueroa Jr

“Panterita”

RECORD

28 - 3 - 1

KOs

19

Weight 147 lbs (66.82 kg)

Age 34

Home Weslaco, Texas,

Complete Stats

Former world champion Omar Figueroa Jr.’s aggressive style & powerful punches have made him one of boxing’s most exciting fighters. Read Bio

I don't fight to win belts. I fight to fight.

Last Fight

Loss vs Sergey Lipinets

Aug 20, 2022 / Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, FL

Omar Figueroa Jr. LOSES to Sergey Lipinets by TKO in Round 8 of 12

Latest News

Omar Figueroa Jr. News
Omar Figueroa
Sep 26, 2022 / Omar Figueroa Jr.

Omar Figueroa Is Ready For Life's Next Phase

The recently retired former world champion is embracing his new life and mindset after dedicating 25 years to the Sweet Science.

Sergey LipinetsPBC Boxing Video
Aug 21, 2022 / Figueroa vs Lipinets, Puello vs Akhmedov, Gutierrez vs Garcia, Omar Figueroa Jr., Sergey Lipinets, Alberto Puello, Roger Gutierrez, Hector Garcia, Batyr Akhmedov

Sergey Lipinets fights on, while Omar Figueroa Jr. opts to retire

Lipinets delivers dominant performance in this WBC Super Lightweight title eliminator and the brave Figueroa hangs up the gloves afterward.

Figueroa vs LipinetsPBC Boxing Video
Aug 20, 2022 / Figueroa vs Lipinets, Omar Figueroa Jr., Sergey Lipinets

Omar Figueroa Jr. vs Sergey Lipinets: No Retreat, No Defeat

It's do or die for two former world champions as Omar Figueroa and Sergey Lipinets battle in a WBC Super Lightweight Title eliminator Saturday night on SHOWTIME.

Fights

Omar Figueroa Jr. Fights

Loss vs Sergey Lipinets 17-3-1

Aug 20, 2022 Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, FL

Omar Figueroa Jr. LOSES to Sergey Lipinets by TKO in Round 8 of 12

Loss vs Sergey Lipinets 17-3-1

Aug 20, 2022 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, Florida, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr LOSES to Sergey Lipinets by RTD in Round 8 of 12

Loss vs Abel Ramos 27-6-2

May 01, 2021 Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California

Omar Figueroa Jr. LOSES to Abel Ramos by KO in Round 6 of 12

Loss vs Abel Ramos 27-6-2

May 01, 2021 Dignity Health Sports Park , Carson, California, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr LOSES to Abel Ramos by RTD in Round 6 of 12

LOSS vs Yordenis Ugas 27-6-0

Jul 20, 2019 MGM Grand, Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Yordenis Ugas WINS against Omar Figueroa Jr by UD in Round 12 of 12

Win vs John Molina Jr 30-9-0

Feb 16, 2019 Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles, California, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against John Molina Jr by UD in Round 10 of 10

Win vs Robert Guerrero 38-6-1

Jul 15, 2017 Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Long Island, New York

Omar Figueroa Jr. WINS against Robert Guerrero by TKO in Round 3 of 10

Win vs Robert Guerrero 38-6-1

Jul 15, 2017 Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, New York, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Robert Guerrero by TKO in Round 3 of 10

Win vs Antonio DeMarco 33-9-1

Dec 12, 2015 AT&T Center, San Antonio

Omar Figueroa Jr. WINS against Antonio DeMarco by UD in Round 12 of 12

Win vs Antonio De Marco Soto 31-5-1

Dec 12, 2015 AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Antonio De Marco Soto by UD in Round 12 of 12

Win vs Antonio DeMarco 33-9-1

Dec 12, 2015 AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Antonio DeMarco by UD in Round 12 of 12

Win vs  Burns 43-8-1

May 09, 2015 State Farm Arena, Hidalgo, Texas

 Figueroa Jr WINS against  Burns by UD in Round 12 of 12

Win vs Daniel Estrada 32-2-1

Aug 16, 2014 StubHub Center, Carson, California, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Daniel Estrada by KO in Round 9 of 12

Win vs Jerry Belmontes 19-3-0

Apr 26, 2014 StubHub Center, Carson, California, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Jerry Belmontes by SD in Round 12 of 12

Win vs Nihito Arakawa 24-2-1

Jul 27, 2013 AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Nihito Arakawa by UD in Round 12 of 12

Win vs Abner Cotto 16-0-0

Apr 20, 2013 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Abner Cotto by KO in Round 1 of 10

Win vs Henry Auraad 14-6-1

Mar 02, 2013 Our Lady of the Lake University Gym, San Antonio, Texas, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Henry Auraad by KO in Round 1 of 8

Win vs Dominic Salcido 18-3-0

Jul 21, 2012 U.S. Bank Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Dominic Salcido by UD in Round 10 of 10

Win vs Alain Hernandez 18-10-2

Jun 23, 2012 Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Alain Hernandez by TKO in Round 1 of 8

Win vs Tyler Ziolkowski 14-15-0

Jun 02, 2012 Home Depot Center, Carson, California, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Tyler Ziolkowski by KO in Round 1 of 6

Win vs Robbie Cannon 12-6-2

May 05, 2012 MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Robbie Cannon by TKO in Round 2 of 8

Win vs Ramon Ayala 23-2-1

Mar 16, 2012 Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, California, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Ramon Ayala by KO in Round 2 of 10

WIN vs Michael Perez 15-0-1

Jan 06, 2012 Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, California, USA

Michael Perez LOSES to Omar Figueroa Jr by RTD in Round 6 of 10

Win vs Marcos Herrera 6-6-1

Aug 26, 2011 UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Marcos Herrera by KO in Round 2 of 8

Win vs Eric Cruz 11-6-3

Jun 17, 2011 State Farm Arena, Hidalgo, Texas, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Eric Cruz by UD in Round 8 of 8

Win vs John Figueroa 7-9-3

Apr 23, 2011 Nokia Theater, Los Angeles, California, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against John Figueroa by KO in Round 2 of 8

Draw vs Arturo Quintero 15-4-0

Nov 12, 2010 State Farm Arena, Hidalgo, Texas, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr DRAWS with Arturo Quintero by SD in Round 8 of 8

Win vs Julian Rodriguez 19-18-4

Jun 18, 2010 Convention Center, McAllen, Texas, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Julian Rodriguez by DQ in Round 2 of 6

Win vs Edgar Portillo 6-3-1

Mar 27, 2010 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Edgar Portillo by UD in Round 6 of 6

Win vs Anthony Woods 6-12-0

Dec 12, 2009 UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Anthony Woods by TKO in Round 2 of 4

Win vs Jeremy Marts 5-7-0

Aug 22, 2009 Toyota Center, Houston, Texas, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Jeremy Marts by TKO in Round 1 of 4

Win vs Jorge De Leon 2-4-0

Jun 04, 2009 International Convention Center, Pharr, Texas, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Jorge De Leon by TKO in Round 3 of 6

Win vs Ramiro Torres 3-16-1

May 15, 2009 Casa de Amistad, Harlingen, Texas, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Ramiro Torres by TKO in Round 1 of 4

Win vs Daniel Garcia 9-6-1

Feb 27, 2009 Casa de Amistad, Harlingen, Texas, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Daniel Garcia by TKO in Round 3 of 8

Win vs Arturo Herrera 5-12-1

Nov 21, 2008 Casa de Amistad, Harlingen, Texas, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Arturo Herrera by TKO in Round 2 of 4

Win vs Jose Rodolfo Reyes 0-5-0

Oct 18, 2008 Casa de Amistad, Harlingen, Texas, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Jose Rodolfo Reyes by TKO in Round 1 of 4

Win vs Joe Reyes 0-5-0

Oct 18, 2008 Casa de Amistad, Harlingen, Texas, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Joe Reyes by TKO in Round 1 of 4

Win vs Edwin Espinoza 0-1-0

Jun 21, 2008 Rio Grande Valley Harley Davidson, McAllen, Texas, USA

Omar Figueroa Jr WINS against Edwin Espinoza by KO in Round 1 of 4

Stats

Omar Figueroa Jr “Panterita”

  • WINS 28
  • LOSSES 3
  • DRAWS 1
  • KOs 19

Weight 147 lbs (66.82 kg)

Height 5'" (1.71 m)

Reach 73" (185 cm)

  • Born

    December 13, 1989
  • Age

    34
  • Country

    USA
  • Born in

    Weslaco, TX
  • Trains in

    Weslaco, TX
  • Stance

  • Rounds Boxed

    162
  • KO Percentage

    67.86%
  • Boxing Hero

    Marco Antonio Barrera

Fighter data provided by BoxRec Ltd. View disclaimer

Bio

Omar Figueroa Jr Bio

An aggressive approach and power-packed punches have made Omar “Panterita” Figueroa Jr. one of the most exciting fighters in boxing. The Texas native has been hampered by hand injuries, but his brawling style helped him become a world champion at 135 pounds.

#TBT from my early days as a pro fighter. Big things ahead then, big things ahead now. #TeamFigueroa

A photo posted by Omar Figueroa Jr. (@omarfigueroajr) on

Since his first professional fight at age 18, the hard-hitting Figueroa has established himself as one of boxing’s rising stars.

Growing up in Weslaco, Texas, Figueroa was introduced to the sport at the age of 6 by his father and trainer, Omar Sr., so he could defend himself.

Figueroa took honors courses in high school, but he already was serious enough about boxing that he made his professional debut on June 6, 2008, less than a month after graduating.

He knocked out Edwin Espinoza in the first round, but was still undecided about his career path.

Omar Figueroa Jr. lands a left hand to the head of Alain Hernandez during their fight in Los Angeles on June 23, 2012.

From college to the school of hard knocks

Figueroa went to Texas A&M University on an academic scholarship to study construction science.

However, he left college after one semester to pursue a boxing career after quickly finishing off two more opponents in the ring that fall.

Figueroa won each of his first eight bouts in less than three rounds.

It wasn’t until he faced Edgar Portillo in Las Vegas in March 2010 that one of his fights went the distance, with Figueroa winning a six-round unanimous decision.

Omar Figueroa Jr. celebrates his first-round knockout of Abner Cotto in San Antonio on April 20, 2013.

A rising contender

After dispatching Marcos Herrera with a second-round KO in August 2011, Figueroa faced Michael Perez in a battle of unbeaten 135-pounders in Indio, California, in January 2012.

Perez was favored in the bout, but Figueroa won when Perez was unable to continue after six rounds.

After five more early-round KOs and a win by 10-round unanimous decision, Figueroa fought Abner Cotto in San Antonio in April 2013 in another clash of undefeated fighters.

Once again, Figueroa applied pressure right from the opening bell, and quickly knocked down Cotto twice in gaining a first-round KO. The win propelled Figueroa from prospect to contender.

Omar Figueroa Jr. and Nihito Arakawa trade punches during their fight in San Antonio on July 27, 2013.

Becoming a champion

Figueroa's next bout—against Japan’s Nihito Arakawa in San Antonio on July 27, 2013—was one of the year’s best fights.

When it ended after 12 rounds, Figueroa won by unanimous decision, claiming an interim 135-pound world title.

The duo combined for an incredible 2,112 punches. Figueroa landed 51 percent of his punches, included 450 power shots, which was the third-highest total ever recorded among 135-pounders in CompuBox history.

The fight took its toll on Figueroa’s hands, a recurring problem for the power puncher.

He didn’t return to the ring until April 26, 2014, when he faced fellow Texan Jerry Belamontes, who had beaten Figueroa three times when they were amateurs.

This time, Figueroa was the victor, gaining a 12-round split decision in Carson, California, to retain his championship.

Omar Figueroa Jr. exchanges blows with Daniel Estrada during their 135-pound world title fight in Carson, California, on August 16, 2014.

A costly victory

Figueroa again successfully defended his title on August 16, 2014, this time against Mexico’s Daniel Estrada.

The match was close through eight rounds until an accidental head butt opened a cut across the bridge of Figueroa’s nose and left eye, unleashing his trademark aggression.

Fearing that the referee would soon stop the fight, Figueroa came out strong in the ninth, and landed a barrage of punches that left Estrada struggling before the fight was stopped, giving Figueroa a TKO victory.

The cut across above Figueroa’s eye, however, became infected after the fight, preventing him from immediately defending his championship.

He was stripped of the title in November 2014, and declared a “champion in recess.”

Omar Figueroa Jr. Ricky Burns
Omar Figueroa Jr. delivers a right uppercut during his win over Ricky Burns in Hidalgo, Texas, on May 9, 2015.

A successful step up to 140 pounds

Figueroa made his debut at 140 pounds against Scotsman Ricky Burns in a Premier Boxing Champions bout that aired live on CBS from Hidalgo, Texas, on May 9, 2015.

Fighting before a partisan crowd near his hometown, Figueroa engaged Burns almost right from the opening bell.

Figueroa did most of his damage in close quarters, nailing Burns repeatedly with shots to the body and head.

Burns repeatedly tried to slow Figueroa by tying up the Texas native, but he had a point deducted from his score in both the eighth and 11th rounds for excessive holding.

The action-packed 12-round bout went the distance, and Figueroa won by unanimous decision to push his record to 25-0-1. He closed out the year in December by winning a 12-round unanimous decision over Antonio DeMarco.

Figueroa vs. Guerrero: July 15, 2017 (PBC on FOX)

INVADING THE WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION

On July 15, 2017, Figueroa made his welterweight debut at Nassau Coliseum in New York, facing Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero in a battle of former world champions. 

The 34-year-old Guerrero outworked his younger opponent in the opening round, landing 40 of 93 total punches. Figueroa stepped up his output in the second, sneaking in a right uppercut that stunned Guerrero.

At 1:54 of the second, Figueroa unleashed a perfect left uppercut that sent “The Ghost” down on both knees. That triggered something in Guerrero, because he came storming back and pinned Figueroa against the ropes. The younger fighter punched his way out, though, and once again had Guerrero in trouble.

From there, neither fighter could get out of the way of each other, but another pulverizing right knocked down Guerrero a second time with 30 seconds left in the round. Guerrero was barely able to stand before Figueroa landed a body shot, putting him down a third time in the round.

Whatever he had left, Guerrero let loose in the opening seconds of the third. The lionhearted southpaw backed Figueroa up with big, looping shots, leaving himself open for countering uppercuts. It was a short right that dropped the Gilroy, California, native a fourth time, with 2:15 left in the third. Finally, Guerrero’s gallantry gave way, and a left to the body felled him a fifth time.

That was enough for Lipton to end it at 1:30 of the third.

Figueroa followed that up with an equally impressive 10-round unanimous decision over veteran John Molina Jr. in February 2019. But that July, he suffered the first loss of his pro career as Yordenis Ugas outpointed him over 12 rounds at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Two more losses, a sixth round TKO loss to Abel Ramos in May 2021 and an eighth-round TKO defeat to Sergey Lipinets in August 2022 convinced Figueroa to retire.

“I’m very disappointed about the outcome,” Figueroa said. “My team and I worked so hard during this training camp. My body has reached its limit. I’ve been doing this for 27 years and my body has finally said enough. I’m just sorry I’ve disappointed the fans. The change of opponents didn’t affect me. I think I’ve reached the end of the line here in boxing. It occupied my life for 27 years. My body just gave up. It didn’t respond.”

In the run-up to the Lipinets fight, Figueroa emerged as an eloquent spokesperson for people struggling with mental health issues after he was diagnosed with his own set of mental health concerns. In the ring afterward, Figueroa reflected on his career, on the limitations of his athletic abilities and on the birth of his daughter earlier in the day in announcing his retirement.  

“I’m happy that I got to enjoy this last camp. I had a great time,” he said. “For everyone out there going through a tough time or in a dark place, I want to say, ‘don’t you ever give up. Keep up the fight.’”