O'Shaquie Foster defended his WBC junior lightweight title in a thrilling match against Abraham Nova at Madison Square Garden's Theater in New York. The fight ended with a split-decision victory for Foster, with scores of 115-112 and 116-111 in his favor outweighing the one judge's score of 114-113 for Nova. The suspenseful bout saw Foster secure the win with a 12th-round knockdown, delivering a decisive counter left hand in the final moments.
Reflecting on his performance, Foster acknowledged the challenges he faced, attributing some struggle to a difficult weight cut. Nevertheless, he showcased his resilience and ability to adapt, ultimately emerging victorious. The 30-year-old, ranked as ESPN's No. 2 boxer at 130 pounds, emphasized his determination to return stronger following this hard-fought battle.
Nova, the underdog in the match, put up a spirited fight, winning two of the first four rounds on all scorecards. Despite displaying skill and determination, Nova appeared to tire towards the end, leading to Foster's strong finish. In a gracious post-fight evaluation, Nova expressed his confidence in his abilities and resilience as a fighter, despite the outcome.
Looking ahead, Foster aims to unify the junior lightweight division, eyeing potential matchups with other titleholders such as Lamont Roach and the winner of the upcoming bout between Oscar Valdez and Liam Wilson. Eager to continue his winning streak, Foster is focused on further solidifying his status as a dominant force in the division.
In a thrilling undercard match, Bruce 'Shu Shu' Carrington showcased his boxing prowess with a spectacular fourth-round knockout victory over Bernard Torres in a featherweight bout. The sensational finish, delivered with a precise right hand, underscored Carrington's potential as a rising star in the sport. The 26-year-old Brooklyn native, crowned ESPN's 2023 Prospect of the Year, displayed his talent and determination in securing an impressive win.
While Torres, a 27-year-old fighter from the Philippines, suffered a setback with his loss, Carrington's victory positions him as a formidable contender in the featherweight division. With an undefeated record and a promising future ahead, Carrington is poised to make his mark in the boxing world and pursue his aspirations of vying for a world title.
