O'SHAQUIE Foster steps into the ring at the Prudential Center tomorrow evening, defending his WBC super-featherweight title against Robson Conceição. The fight, which will be against the former Olympic gold medalist, will be part of the rivalry between Shakur Stevenson and Artem Harutyunyan.
Although the likes of Stevenson (the world champion at under three weights) may take these moments in their stride, or even slowly, for a player like Foster, he has been coming for a long time, working his way to such a high place. and is now in talks for a quick unification clash with a 130-pound contender.
“I have to go in there and be myself. That is a very big thing. I am perfectly healthy. “So, everyone is going to see a different fighter than what they saw the last time I came out,” said the 30-year-old Texan.
Foster is preparing for a show of strength, apparently still disappointed with his performance in February, when he defeated first challenger Abraham Nova (below) on points.
“I couldn't do what I wanted in that fight with Abraham Nova. I couldn't move my feet the way I wanted. But, there are no excuses. I will go out and show the world that I am more than this guy,” said, 'Ice Water', before discussing the next opponent Conceição.
“I've been a novice for a long time, so I've seen his style many times. We had great partners who imitated him. I've always been proud of my defense, so we'll figure it out when we go in.”
Although he always had talent, Foster needed to overcome his personal demons and get his life together both in and out of the ring. Before O'Shaquie hit the mark, he beat Spanish boxer Jon Fernandez in Oklahoma in 2018. Foster won the night with a score of 98-92 across the board. Is Fernandez surprised by what his winner has been through, or has he always seen that potential blow in front of his face?
“When I faced O'Shaquie Foster, he wasn't as famous as he is now. But when the fight was over, I knew he was a top-level player and he would continue to fight for world titles and become world champion,” explained Fernandez, who is now fighting Dalton Smith for the European title.
“And O'Shaquie Foster also told me after the fight, that he had problems with his team before that, so he has a new team and that he is improving and will start improving his game. And obviously that happened.”
As quickly as Foster has turned his career around, his opponent tomorrow night, Robson Conceição, can't seem to get a break from work. A world title loss to the dominant Stevenson, and a controversial setback to Oscar Valdez, stung.
Refusing to back down, boxing Emanuel Navarrete is struggling towards the end of 2023, Robson believes all good things come to those who wait and O'Shaquie Foster – who had to make a late meeting to win his WBC world title from Eduardo Hernandez in 2023 – will see his luck runs out now.
“Things in my work were not easy at all. As a novice, I had three chances to become a gold medalist. I see the same way as a professional. And on Saturday, I will be ready,” said Conceição.
“I do not consider these challenges as pressure. I look at them as motivation. So, I'm motivated, and I'm looking forward to this fight on Saturday. I will be the new world champion. There is no pressure. Just motivation.”
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