Shakur Stevenson has assessed O’Shaquie Foster’s elite-level performance against Emanuel Navarrete while, perhaps more importantly, expressing his interest in their potential showdown.
Prior to their contest this weekend, many favoured the unorthodox style of Navarrete or, at the very least, felt as though he would be mightily competitive against Foster.
As it happened, though, Foster was far superior from the very beginning and orchestrated a boxing masterclass to unanimously outpoint his man in San Antonio, Texas.
The 33-year-old even scored two knockdowns in the final round, before merging Navarrete’s IBF and WBO world titles with his WBC strap at 130lbs.
As a result, Foster is now a leading candidate for Fighter of the Year and must surely be considered a top 10 pound-for-pound operator.
Elsewhere at super-featherweight, meanwhile, Anthony Cacace will defend his WBA title against Nick Ball on December 19, with the winner set to demand an undisputed clash against Foster.
It therefore makes sense for Foster to remain at 130lbs, at least for the time being, while an all-American bout with Stevenson could materialise down the line.
Taking to social media, the WBO super-lightweight champion recognised the importance of an undisputed fight but, equally, said he would be ready to face ‘Ice Water’ whenever.
“[Foster’s a] helluva fighter. He will never give me my credit but I’ll be real tonight – he showed his level. That’s a challenge that would get me out of bed. Let’s do it whenever he’s ready. I’ll be here after his undisputed run!”
Helluva fighter he will never give me my credit but I’ll be real tonight he showed his level. That’s a challenge that would get me out of bed. Let’s do it whenever he's ready 💯
I’ll be here after his undisputed run!
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) October 25, 2026
Having just parted ways with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, Stevenson could leverage his position as a promotional free agent and eventually face Foster at 135lbs.
