Robson Conceicao (left) gained a extremely controversial cut up resolution over O’Shaquie Foster on July 6. (Photograph by Mikey WIliams-Prime Rank)
O’Shaquie Foster is glad he has a chance to redeem himself after not getting the end result he needed the primary time he confronted Robson Conceicao.
The southpaw Foster will problem Conceicao for the WBC junior light-weight title Saturday evening on the Turning Stone Resort and On line casino in Verona, New York. The 12-round bout will stream dwell 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 gained by cut up resolution, successful Foster’s WBC title within the course of. There was a major 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 battle, the World Boxing Council Board of Governors mandated Conceicao’s first protection of the title can be in opposition to Foster.
Foster (22-3, 12 knockouts) acknowledged he may have been simpler from the opening bell in opposition to Conceicao, however is glad he is able to win again his world title belt. Deep down, he knew a rematch can be mandated.
“After the battle, I had an excellent feeling that there was going to be a rematch,” Foster instructed The Ring in a latest 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 battle was going to occur. When it did come down, I used to be truly blissful so I may proper that fallacious.
“I may’ve been extra busy, extra energetic (in opposition to 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 intervening 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),” stated Foster, who, together with Conceicao, is promoted by Prime Rank. “I really feel like I’m one of the best fighter, at any weight. You might put me in a special weight class, and I’d be one of the best fighter. I consider that each fighter ought to really feel like that.”
The 31-year-old has displayed completely different skill-sets over his final couple of fights. Recognized extra as a slick counter-puncher, Foster displayed extra energy and aggression in his October 2023 battle in opposition to Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez. The battle was filled with ebb and flows, together with spherical 11, which was a candidate for Spherical of the 12 months.
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, in opposition to any of the highest fighters, because of working and bettering with longtime coach Bobby Benton.
“For me, within the health club, some trainers are caught of their methods,” stated Foster. “They need you to coach a sure method. 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 capable of 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 terrific man.
“The largest factor for me was the psychological facet. Once I was capable of block out all of the noise and I used to be capable of focus, and actually simply placing every thing collectively into boxing, that’s when every thing modified for me. Actually. It’s a way of life.”
Foster plans to make a press release on the expense of Conceicao. Quite than depart it within the arms of the judges, as within the first battle, Foster plans to finish the battle early and stroll out with the world title again round his waist.
“We coming to work. Regardless of the final result, 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 could be reached at [email protected]