O’Shaquie Foster made his case for fighter of the year this weekend in Texas when he beat Emanuel Navarrete to secure the IBF and WBO super-featherweight belts on top of the WBC he already held.
Foster was sharp for twelve rounds against power-puncher Navarette, who touched the canvas twice in the final round after calculated pressure and precise countering from the American.
It is the latest impressive win for ‘Shock’, who has bounced back from some early career defeats to dial in and have an argument as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
To really prove this, he has consistently called for a shot at former sparring rival Shakur Stevenson, but now says that he is not quite ready to move up in weight and make it happen.
Speaking to the media post-fight, Foster confirmed that he still has lightweight in his sights to face Stevenson, however first wants to finish business at 130lbs.
“I want to go undisputed, man. I feel like that fight was the biggest after me beating Ray Ford, now my dream is to become undisputed, make history.
“I just made history – the first three-belt champion in the super-featherweight division – and all I need is one more to fulfil my biggest dream, and then I’ll go see Shakur.”
For Forster to fulfil his dream, he must land a fight with the winner of Anthony Cacace and Nick Ball, which takes place in December for Cacace’s WBA belt.
Stevenson dropped his WBC lightweight world title to move up to 140lbs earlier this year and beat Teofimo Lopez. He has, however, recently confirmed that he will be considering fights in both divisions.
That announcement came as Stevenson revealed he has been released from his promotional contract with Zuffa Boxing after both parties agreed it was the best course. After watching the win, Stevenson praised Foster and said he is willing to make the fight happen “whenever.”
