Canelo Alvarez is the crème de la crème of the super middleweight class.

The Ring’s top ten rankings at 168 pounds is as follows: Christian Mbilli, Diego Pacheco, Osleys Iglesias, Caleb Plant, William Scull, Bruno Surace, Jaime Munguia, Edgar Berlanga, and Erik Bazinyan.

Darius Fulghum (13-0, 11 KOs), ranked No. 5 by the WBA, believes he’s new blood on the cusp of a breakthrough, and the next opportunity to climb the rankings ladder comes Saturday against Winfred Harris Jr. (22-2-2, 10 KOs).

Fulghum, who signed with Golden Boy Promotions in October 2023, will get a prominent position on the card, serving as the 10-round co-main event for the show headlined by Oscar Duarte and Miguel Madueno at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California on DAZN.

“I’m excited about this great opportunity,” said Fulghum. “I don’t know too much about my opponent and won’t until I get in the ring. He has a good record; I hear that he comes to fight. This is an opportunity for me to show what level I’m at in my division. I’m planning a splash performance.”

Fulghum, 28, has a unique background. He earned a nursing degree from Prairie View A&M University and is a graduate of the school of hard knocks as well. The Texas native is a 2018 National Golden Gloves winner and was a participant of the 2020 United States Olympic Team Trials.

Fulghum had a busy 2024, beating Alantez Fox, Cristian Olivas, Vaughn Alexander, and Christopher Pearson in step-up fights. Inside the gym, he served as a sparring partner for David Morrell as the Cuban prepared for his recent contest against David Benavidez.

“I showed that I belong and that I’m one of the top guys at 168,” said Fulghum. “My job is to put on a show. There are expectations for me to perform at a high level.”