O’SHAQUIE Foster enters the Prudential Heart ring tomorrow night, defending his WBC super-featherweight title in opposition to Robson Conceição. The bout, in opposition to a former Olympic gold medallist, will function the co-feature to Shakur Stevenson’s contest with Artem Harutyunyan.
Whereas the likes of Stevenson (a three-weight world champion no much less) could take these events of their stride, and even barely as a right, for a fighter like Foster, it’s been a very long time coming, working his strategy to such a lofty place and now being within the dialogue for speedy unification clashes with 130-pound rivals.
“I simply must go in there and be me. That’s the most important factor. I’m totally wholesome. So, everybody goes to see a special fighter than what they noticed the final time I got here out,” acknowledged the 30-year-old Texan.
Foster is making ready for a stronger show, seemingly nonetheless upset together with his efficiency in February, when he overcame maiden challenger Abraham Nova (under) on factors.
“I couldn’t do what I needed in that battle in opposition to Abraham Nova. I couldn’t transfer my toes like I needed. However, no excuses. I’m going to exit and present the world that I’m ranges above this man,” stated, ‘Ice Water’, earlier than discussing subsequent foe Conceição.
“I’ve had a protracted newbie profession, so I’ve seen his fashion a number of instances. We had nice sparring companions that mimicked him. I’ve all the time been happy with my protection, so we’ll determine it out once we get in there.”
Whereas he all the time had the expertise, Foster wanted to beat private demons and get his life collectively each out and in of the ring. Earlier than O’Shaquie hit the large time, he boxed big-punching Spaniard Jon Fernandez in Oklahoma in 2018. Foster gained that evening by scores of 98-92 throughout the board. Is Fernandez stunned by what his conqueror has gone on to attain, or did he all the time see that type of potential effervescent earlier than the floor?
“On the time once I confronted O’Shaquie Foster, he wasn’t as well-known as he’s now. However as quickly because the battle completed, I knew he was a really, excellent operator and that he was going to go on and battle for world honours and turn into world champion,” defined Fernandez, who fights Dalton Smith subsequent for the European title.
“And in addition O’Shaquie Foster advised me himself after the battle as nicely, that he had issues together with his staff earlier than then, in order that he had a brand new staff and that he was advancing and he was going to start out bettering his sport. And that’s clearly what occurred.”
As rapidly as Foster has turned his profession round, his opponent tomorrow night, Robson Conceição, simply can not appear to catch an expert break. World title losses to headliner Stevenson, in addition to a earlier controversy-tinged reverse to Oscar Valdez, stung laborious.
Refusing to turn into downbeat, boxing Emanuel Navarrete to a draw on the shut of 2023, Robson believes all good issues come to those that wait and O’Shaquie Foster -who needed to stage a late rally to win his WBC world title from Eduardo Hernandez in 2023- will see his personal luck run out this time.
“Issues in my profession weren’t essentially simple. As an newbie, I had three alternatives to turn into a gold medalist. I see an analogous path as an expert. And on Saturday, I’m going to be prepared,” stated Conceição.
“I don’t take a look at these challenges as strain. I take a look at them as motivation. So, I’m motivated, and I’m wanting ahead to this battle on Saturday. I’ll be the brand new world champion. No strain. Simply motivation.”
