Upgraded to co-main event billing preceding Errol Spence-Tim Tszyu this weekend in Sydney, Australia, the 32-year-old intimated during Tuesday's grand arrivals he was battling to cut the final few pounds.

Two days later, the clearest sign yet of those weight-related struggles was laid bare as the event's sole fighter not to participate in Thursday's open workout.

CODE Sports' Peter Badel and Brendan Bradford reported Fulton's camp had asked for their 12-round junior lightweight eliminator to instead be contested at 135 pounds.

That request is said to have been swiftly rejected by Liam Wilson's team, as well as promoters No Limit. Friday morning, they reached a 133-pound catchweight compromise, which was announced at the press conference.

On the change, No Limit CEO George Rose said: "When I approached Team Wilson, they didn't care, they were ready. They don't care what weight it's at, they want this fight to happen.

"I'm really excited about that, it speaks volumes about the man Liam is, he's traveled into other people's backyards to fight for world titles, had odds against him multiple times ... when he's ready and has that chip on his shoulder, he comes out and performs."

The 30-year-old has been steadily built back towards world-level contention with five consecutive victories since Oscar Valdez stopped him in seven rounds for WBO interim honors in March 2024. 13 months earlier, he floored The Ring's No. 1 junior lightweight Emanuel Navarrete before losing a nine-round thriller for the full WBO strap.

After their battle, two-division titleholder Valdez assured Wilson he had the heart and talent to achieve his world title dreams one day, with Fulton (23-2, 8 KOs) standing in the way for a shot at Anthony Cacace's WBA strap.

Through no fault of his own, this will no longer be an official world title eliminator.

"It's an honor to have Fulton here, a hell of a talent, I'm very appreciative of him coming out here to Australia so a pleasure to have a person of his calibre over here, they're both no stranger to big fights, they'll be slightly bigger and stronger, we can expect a knockout," Rose continued.

Fulton meanwhile, said the change had long been in the works before flying overseas.

"Before this even came about, weeks ago I requested that [weight change] but we're here now, no need to cry over something that's already been done. It wasn't about not making it ... it was tough, that's all. I'm still going to be a dog in that ring, there's nothing special in him, I want to rumble."

After completing his open workout session at Circular Quay the previous afternoon, Wilson was asked about Fulton's absence but remained focused on the task at hand.

"Anyone that knows boxing knows he's probably having some weight problems. I'm here to put on a show for you guys. It's a one-man mission.

"I'm here for my own job, have a goal in sight — win on Sunday against a tough competitor — he's been around the block, been in big fights, experienced and this is nothing new for him. Whatever happens on his side of the fence is his own problem and on fight night, it will show. I have a will to win that no-one's ever seen, I'll show it."

During Friday's presser, the Queenslander said the weight was a topic within his team after the American's last outing didn't go to plan, but stressed indifference provided he'd still face someone who would boost his resume.

Fulton was two pounds overweight last time out, before losing soundly over 12 rounds against WBC 130-pound champion O'Shaquie Foster on December 6.

The Philadelphian later apologized while taking accountability for the weight mishap and has recently outlined a desire to fight unified WBO, IBF champion Navarrete in what would make him a three-division titlist.

After failing to make the 130-pound limit for consecutive fights, he has an altogether different task on his hands this weekend and then a decision on which weight to campaign at going forward.