O’Shaquie Foster (22-3) can count himself amongst the most heinously robbed boxers in recent history.
Alongside Maxi Hughes (26-7-2) and Jack Catterall (29-1), the name of the liquid super-featherweight will forever be tied to the inexplicable theft that took place on June 6th 2024.
In a routine defence of his WBC World Super-Featherweight title, the meticulous strategist allowed his opponent, Brazilian Robson Conceicao (19-2-1), to take an aggressive pace; although Foster’s work was clearly the more quality of the two.
In fact, many fans and pundits online have gone as far to say that Foster only truly lost the first round, whilst adjusting to the high output of his Olympian opponent. The scorecards, however, would disagree.
Ron McNair would see the bout – quite rightly – for Foster, with 116-112 being his ruling. Paul Wallace would separate it for Conceicao at 113-115; fair, if the work-rate of Conceicao was to be rewarded. The widest margin came by way of Tony Lundy, who would score it 112-116 in favour of the challenger, to the shock of the attendees – and the fighters.
Understandably, Foster was upset and distraught by the ruling, but he would leave the Prudential Centre, Newark without his WBC World Super-Featherweight strap. This, however, is not the first instance of Foster inching it on the scorecards – his previous defence, against Abraham Nova (23-3), was a split-decision, with judge John McKaie scoring that bout 113-114 Nova.
Throughout his turbulent run at Top Rank, the odds have always seemed stacked against the 30-year-old. Which leads us to now. With Conceicao, a Top Rank favourite, finally earning a world title on his fourth attempt, Foster might be left high and dry by the whole affair. So, where does that take Houston’s best?
A rematch with Conceicao seems only right; Foster had been the champion since shutting out Rey Vargas (36-1-1) on the scorecards in February of 2023 and, given the controversy, should rightly demand the rematch. One of this level could very much lie in the same league as Taylor-Catterall II for its controversy and animosity.
With the WBC even claiming to be investigating the result, a headlining bout between the two would only be a good thing for the realm of boxing. It would also prove an exciting match-up, one that could easily capture the imagination of the public.
Another option for Foster, as previously alluded to on X, would be a match-up with Matchroom’s Raymond Ford (15-1-1). With the two having icey relations and generally antagonising one another, the fight would prove to be a highly skilled demonstration, to say the least.
With Ford under the close guidance of Eddie Hearn, the bout may have a chance too; Hearn, after all, pushed for Foster to unify with then-IBF champion Joe Cordina (17-1). Ford, aiming for a high-profile bout, might find himself the perfect opportunity in the recently usurped champion.
However, be it a rematch or the grudge-match with Ford, Foster will truly find himself at a crossroads; with either option providing him with plenty in the way of high-profile fights.