O'Shaquie Foster is a two-time WBC super featherweight champion after scoring a 12-round split decision over Robson Conceicao at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York, on Saturday. The official scores were 115-113, 115-113 and 113-115.
The victory saw Foster (23-3, 12 KOs) avenge a controversial points loss to Conceicao in July. Ironically, the rematch was a closer encounter with the American fighter digging deep in the championship rounds to pull out a career-defining triumph.
“He’s a helluva fighter, it’s unbelievable,” said Foster during his post-fight interview with ESPN. “I told you I was gonna step it up and bring it to him and that’s what I did. I’m still not satisfied with my performance, but I showed my versatility.”
WATCH: Robson Conceicao vs. O'Shaquie Foster 2, exclusively on ESPN+
Similar to the first encounter, the bout began as a chess match. The most notable tactical adjustment came in round two when Foster switched to southpaw and he was effective from that stance, notably scoring with the jab and counter right hook.
However, Conceicao threw the harder punches and while he couldn’t find the head early on, some of the Brazilian’s body shots landed flush. Foster remained composed throughout, scored well with the jab, and released a nice right hook around the guard.
'Shock' with an ELECTRIC right hand ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/fdCYnTr9m8
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) November 3, 2024
A sharp right-hand counter nailed Conceicao in round five. The defending champ lost his shape momentarily, but his own right hand was still dangerous and Foster was reluctant to let his hands go in combination. Entering the second half, the fight was in the balance.
Foster upped the pace in round seven and the switch in gears was needed. By initiating volume punching, the American’s work would be more appealing to the judges who might have been swayed by Conceicao’s heavier hitting in close rounds.
After enjoying a strong minute and a half in round 10, Conceicao was buzzed and shaken up by another counter right hand. The Texas-based technician followed up with some nice combination work and turned that round his way as the pair entered the championship rounds.
The Sporting News gave the eleventh to Foster and the twelfth to Conceicao.
Before the Conceicao setback, Foster was very highly touted and looking ahead to unification bouts at 130 pounds. He now regains that momentum and can aim at the likes of WBO titleholder Emanuel Navarrete, who rematches Oscar Valdez in December.
“I’ll be in Glendale for that fight,” said a jubilant Foster.
Conceicao drops to 19-3-1 (9 KOs). An Olympic gold medalist at the Rio Games in 2016, the 36-year-old has had a storied career and, despite his decision win over Foster being bogus, he can always say he was a world champion. Expect to see the veteran former champ back in 2025.
Robson Conceicao vs. O'Shaquie Foster 2 fight card
- O'Shaquie Foster def. Robson Conceicao (c) via SD 12 (115-113, 115-113, 113-115) for the WBC super featherweight title
- Raymond Muratalla def. Jesus Perez via TKO 2; Lightweights
- Abraham Nova Split Draw Humberto Galindo (97-93, 94-96, 95-95); Super Featherweights
- Jahi Tucker def. Quilisto Madera via TKO 8; Middleweights
- Yan Santana def. Eduardo Baez via TKO 4; Featherweights
- Damian Knyba def. Richard Harrison via KO 3; Heavyweights
- Ali Feliz def. Rashad Coulter via TKO 2; Heavyweights
- Bruce Mills def. Mike Ohan Jr. via TKO 5; Super Lightweights
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