Title Defense Preparation
Boxer O’Shaquie Foster is gearing up for a significant title defense as he prepares to face Stephen Fulton in a WBC super featherweight clash on August 16. Foster, who has overcome tremendous adversity throughout his life and career, reflects on his journey from a troubled past to the cusp of stardom in boxing.
Overcoming Adversity
Eight years ago, the 31-year-old found himself incarcerated in Orange, Texas, a period marked not only by his own struggles but also by the devastating Hurricane Harvey that swept through his hometown. During his four-month sentence, he was inspired by a pivotal boxing match where Terence Crawford claimed the undisputed light welterweight title. This moment ignited a fierce determination in Foster to turn his life around and pursue his boxing ambitions.
“It hit me there and then — I wasn’t going to let a few bad decisions waste my potential,”
Foster recalled, discussing how that experience motivated him to change his life. He moved to Houston, where under the mentorship of coach Bobby Benton, he transformed his career trajectory. With a professional record now standing at 23 wins and 3 losses, including 12 knockouts, Foster has built a remarkable winning streak, culminating in a championship victory over Rey Vargas earlier this year.
Path to Recognition
Foster is determined to make a name for himself in the boxing world and views his upcoming fight with Fulton (23-1, 8 KOs) as a crucial stepping stone.
“This is a massive opportunity for me,”
he remarked, expressing his ambition to emerge from the shadows and become a recognized figure in the sport. Foster is not just looking to win; he aims to impress, stating,
“In my mind, I am coming into this fight looking to steal the show away from ‘Tank’ and Roach.”
Insights and Strategy
Known for his engaging personality and introspective nature, Foster acknowledges the challenges he has faced on his journey. He emphasizes that his resilience is part of what makes him an exciting fighter, capable of adapting his strategy to each opponent. He reflected on his grueling fights, particularly against Robson Conceicao, where he battled through injuries to reclaim his title.
As he prepares for Fulton, a strong contender who is coming off a win after a tough loss to Naoya Inoue in 2023, Foster notes changes in Fulton’s performance post-defeat.
“He’s a great fighter, but he’s a totally different fighter now; slower hands, slower feet,”
he opined, setting the stage for what he believes will be a challenging but rewarding bout.
Looking Ahead
Foster is also aware of the tension brewing in the lead-up to the match, notably with Fulton’s trainer Derek Ennis, who has openly expressed doubts about Foster.
“It gives me a point to prove though,”
Foster said, indicating his desire to rise above the skepticism surrounding him.
Looking beyond the Fulton fight, Foster is already eyeing future matchups, particularly the winners of the highly anticipated showdown between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach, as well as the prospect of challenging Shakur Stevenson.
“It’s time to make these fights now,”
he concluded, ready to assert himself further in the boxing landscape.
