Foster the Champion: O’Shaquie Foster beats Robson Conceição to reclaim junior lightweight crown
Raymond Muratalla ices Jesus Perez in co-feature
O’Shaquie Foster (23-3, 12 KOs) is now a two-time world champion.
Foster regained the WBC junior lightweight world title with a split decision victory over Robson Conceição (19-3-1, 9 KOs) on Saturday evening at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
Two judges scored it 115-113 for Foster, while one scored it 115-113 for Conceição.
Conceição dethroned Foster with a hard-fought verdict in July, prompting the rematch less than four months later. This time, Foster was more aggressive, switching stances in the early rounds and standing his ground to trade body shots in the fourth.
By the seventh, Foster began to wear down Conceição as he asserted himself and pressed forward. The Brazilian fired back, but Foster consistently defended against Conceição’s right hand, countering sharply with a right of his own.
In the 10th, Foster buzzed Conceição with a one-two, but Conceição survived before trading blows in the championship rounds.
Foster said, “Man, he’s a hell of a fighter. His heart is unbelievable. Shoutout to him. He’s got a big heart.”
“I told y’all I was gonna step it up and bring it to him. That was my goal. I still ain’t satisfied with my performance, but I felt like I showed a lot of people my versatility.”
“I want the winner of Emanuel Navarrete vs. Oscar Valdez.”
Conceição said, “I’m happy because I know what I did in the ring. I did a good job, so there’s no reason to be sad. I know the victory wasn’t mine tonight, but I know that I did a good job.”
“If he wants the rematch, I’ll be ready. I gave him a rematch, so I think he should show the same respect to me by giving me the third fight.”
Muratalla Blasts Out Perez
Raymond Muratalla (22-0, 17 KOs) handed Mexican warrior Jesus Perez (25-6, 18 KOs) his first stoppage defeat with a second-round TKO in tonight’s co-feature.
In the opening stanza, Muratalla used his left hand to measure distance and set up his right. By the second round, he found his range, flooring Perez with a one-two combination in the first ten seconds.
Perez rose to his feet, only to hit the canvas again less than a minute later. Moments afterward, Muratalla surged forward once more, prompting referee Charlie Fitch to stop the fight at 1:24.
Muratalla said, “I’m coming for those champions. I’ve still got it. I don’t know what people are talking about. I’m here.”
“I’m asking for these title shots, and they haven’t given them to me. So, tonight I proved that I deserve it. I want any of the champions.”
“I’m ready for any of the guys with the belts. I’m just waiting for that call. You saw what I’m capable of doing. I’m waiting for that call to fight any of the champions.”
Undercard
Junior Welterweight: Syracuse’s hometown hero, Bryce Mills (17-1, 6 KOs), registered a fifth-round TKO versus Mike Ohan Jr. (19-4, 9 KOs). Mills overpowered Ohan from the opening seconds, exploiting his low guard to land punches from all angles. By the fifth, Mills was landing at will, prompting Ohan’s corner to halt the one-sided assault after the round ended.
Junior Lightweight: Abraham Nova (23-3-1, 16 KOs) and Humberto Galindo (14-3-3, 11 KOs) battled to a 10-round split draw. Galindo aggressively cut off the ring, while Nova used his footwork to set up quick jabs and right hands from the outside. Both had their moments but struggled to establish a decisive edge. Scores: 97-93 Galindo, 96-94 Nova, and 95-95.
Middleweight: Jahi Tucker (13-1-1, 6 KOs) scored an eighth-round TKO over veteran Quilisto Madera (14-6, 9 KOs). Tucker initiated the contest with precise combinations, while Madera stood his ground and fought back. The exchanges grew more intense in the later rounds, and Tucker was deducted a point in the final stanza for punching during a break. Moments later, however, he hurt Madera, prompting the referee to stop the action at 1:52.
Heavyweight: Team USA standout Ali Feliz (4-0, 3 KOs) dispatched Rashad Coulter (5-5, 3 KOs) via second-round TKO. The 21-year-old boxed calmly before landing bombs around Coulter’s guard. Feliz soon had Coulter against the ropes, where several unanswered strikes ended the fight at 1:34.
Featherweight: Dominican puncher Yan Santana (13-0, 12 KOs) battered former world title challenger Eduardo Baez (23-7-2, 9 KOs) en route to a fourth-round stoppage. Santana floored Baez with a flurry of punches before another series of blows forced referee Charlie Fitch to halt the contest at 1:57.
Heavyweight: Polish behemoth Damian Knyba (14-0, 8 KOs) remained undefeated with a third-round TKO against Richard Lartey (16-7, 13 KOs). Time of stoppage: 2:10.