Robson Conceicao (left) received a extremely controversial break up determination over O’Shaquie Foster on July 6. (Picture by Mikey WIliams-High Rank)
O’Shaquie Foster is glad he has a chance to redeem himself after not getting the outcome he wished the primary time he confronted Robson Conceicao.
The southpaw Foster will problem Conceicao for the WBC junior light-weight title Saturday night time on the Turning Stone Resort and On line casino in Verona, New York. The 12-round bout will stream stay on ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT).
Saturday’s conflict is a rematch between Conceicao and Foster of their July 6 conflict, which Conceicao received by break up determination, profitable Foster’s WBC title within the course of. There was a big public outcry, together with on social media as many media, insiders, and followers thought Foster did sufficient to win.
Due to the general public outcry, roughly two weeks after the struggle, the World Boxing Council Board of Governors mandated Conceicao’s first protection of the title could be towards Foster.
Foster (22-3, 12 knockouts) acknowledged he might have been simpler from the opening bell towards Conceicao, however is glad he is able to win again his world title belt. Deep down, he knew a rematch could be mandated.
“After the struggle, I had an excellent feeling that there was going to be a rematch,” Foster instructed The Ring in a current interview. “There was a lot backlash and so many individuals saying stuff on the web and (the end result) was going viral. I simply had an excellent feeling a second struggle was going to occur. When it did come down, I used to be truly pleased so I might proper that incorrect.
“I might’ve been extra busy, extra lively (towards Conceicao). Put extra mixtures collectively. I had extra alternatives. That’s what I took away from it.”
Regardless of the loss to Conceicao, Foster is rated increased than the Brazil-born fighter. Foster and Conceicao are rated No. 2 and No. 8, respectively.
Regardless of not having a world title belt in the mean time, Foster believes he’s one of the best fighter at 130 kilos.
“I really feel I’m one of the best fighter on the planet (at 130 kilos),” mentioned Foster, who, together with Conceicao, is promoted by High Rank. “I really feel like I’m one of the best fighter, at any weight. You might put me in a distinct weight class, and I’d be one of the best fighter. I imagine that each fighter ought to really feel like that.”
The 31-year-old has displayed totally different skill-sets over his final couple of fights. Identified extra as a slick counter-puncher, Foster displayed extra energy and aggression in his October 2023 struggle towards Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez. The struggle was stuffed with ebb and flows, together with spherical 11, which was a candidate for Spherical of the Yr.
Foster would find yourself stopping Hernandez throughout the next spherical, marking the primary protection of the WBC title.
Whether or not it’s persevering with to field or stand and commerce with energy punchers, Foster can alter, if he must, towards any of the highest fighters, due to working and bettering with longtime coach Bobby Benton.
“For me, within the fitness center, some trainers are caught of their methods,” mentioned Foster. “They need you to coach a sure manner. He by no means tried to place me in a field. Once we practice, we practice and put our minds collectively. If I see one thing I don’t like, or he sees one thing that he don’t like, we come collectively and discuss it. Stuff like that. I’m in a position to broaden my thoughts. And we do the identical with one another. He doesn’t hold me in a field. Outdoors of boxing, he’s a fantastic man.
“The most important factor for me was the psychological side. After I was in a position to block out all of the noise and I used to be in a position to focus, and actually simply placing all the pieces collectively into boxing, that’s when all the pieces modified for me. Actually. It’s a way of life.”
Foster plans to make a press release on the expense of Conceicao. Reasonably than depart it within the fingers of the judges, as within the first struggle, Foster plans to finish the struggle early and stroll out with the world title again round his waist.
“We coming to work. Regardless of the consequence, they’re going to know I beat bro down. Whether or not they cease it, or his nook throws the towel in. It’s 12 rounds of beating. They’re going to grasp that I’m the clear winner this time.
“We positively motivated.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has coated boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He may be reached at [email protected]
