O’Shaquie Foster realizes he can’t afford to chop it shut in his clashes anymore.
Judges’ playing cards have been outstanding in Foster’s final three contests, most not too long ago in opposition to Robson Conceicao in July when a break up determination value him his WBC 130-pound belt.
Foster, 22-3 (12 KOs), will now get one other crack on the crown in opposition to Conceicao, 19-2-1 (9 KOs), in a right away rematch on Saturday to headline a Prime Rank present on the Turning Stone Resort & On line casino in Verona, New York on ESPN+.
“The world noticed what occurred,” Foster advised BoxingScene. “I’m not a kind of guys that dwells on the negatives. I attempted to search out the positives out of the scenario and work out why it occurred and assault it.”
Choose Ronald McNair scored the struggle 116-112 for Foster, whereas judges Anthony Lundy and Paul Wallace scored it 116-112 and 115-113 for Conceicao. ESPN’s broadcast staff had Foster successful the struggle. Analyst and reporter Mark Kriegel scored the struggle 11 rounds to at least one in favor of Foster, whereas Timothy Bradley labeled the end in favor of Conceicao a travesty.
Prime Rank boss Bob Arum mentioned the struggle may have been scored 7-5 both manner, regardless that Conceicao landed 10 or extra punches in simply two rounds, in response to CompuBox. Foster outlanded Conceicao 109 to 76 within the struggle however was separated by three or fewer punches in seven of the 12 rounds.
Amidst the controversial aftermath, the WBC ordered a right away rematch.
“It is exhausting. I do not need to discuss unhealthy concerning the judges as a result of they’re all the time going to be there in future fights,” mentioned Foster. “I revered all the judges however for some motive, I’ve simply been getting the bitter finish of the stick. In my eyes, I simply must do extra. I do not need to be like ‘blame the judges’ and put an excessive amount of stress on that facet of it and make the judges see it proper. I simply know that I’ve to go on the market and work and do the very best I can to win. That’s the very best that I may take a look at it.”
Wonky scorecards are nothing new for “Ice Water” Foster, a 31-year-old, 12-year-professional fighter from Houston who’s skilled by Bobby Benton.
Foster’s two fights earlier than his authentic assembly with Conceicao have been additionally topic to doubtful scorecards.
After dethroning Rey Vargas in February 2023 by unanimous determination for the WBC junior light-weight title, Foster traveled to Mexico and delivered a dramatic Twelfth-round knockout of Eduardo Hernandez to keep away from a split-decision loss. Foster was trailing on two scorecards and wanted the knockout to win in a struggle clouded by controversy because of questionable judging.
In February 2024, Foster once more discovered himself in a detailed battle, securing a Twelfth-round knockdown in opposition to Abraham Nova to clinch a split-decision victory in one other hard-fought contest.
Foster doesn’t foresee a timid tussle in opposition to what he assumes shall be an impressed Conceicao.
“I am certain that he’ll attempt to come in several,” mentioned Foster. “The primary struggle was fairly straightforward from my standpoint. I believe he’ll are available and attempt to swap it up. I plan on getting in there and taking it away from him. I would like that again.
“We’ll flip it up. We’ll go to work. We’ll nonetheless hold our protection sharp and do what we did final time however we’re going to crank it up somewhat bit. That is it.
“Once you go in there attempting to get the knockout, it not often occurs. I simply plan on getting in there and placing every little thing collectively. Whether or not or not I knock him out or beat him down for 12 rounds, both manner, I will be cool with it. I perceive that I must do extra, and I’ll.
“I really feel like I can alter to anyone throughout from me within the ring. I am simply chasing greatness, and I need to take a look at my greatness.
Manouk Akopyan is a sports activities journalist, author and broadcast reporter whose work has appeared on ESPN, Fox Sports activities, USA Immediately, The Guardian, Newsweek, Males’s Well being, NFL.com, Los Angeles Occasions, Philadelphia Inquirer, Ring Journal and extra. He has been writing for BoxingScene since 2018. Manouk is a member of the Boxing Writers Affiliation of America and the MMA Journalists Affiliation. He could be reached on X (previously Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube, by way of e mail at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or by way of www.ManoukAkopyan.com.
