Junior light-weight titleholder O’Shaquie Foster had a tough time making the 130-pound restrict going into his cut up choice victory over Abraham Nova on Friday in New York, which might imply he’s not lengthy for the division.
Nonetheless, he stated he has some enterprise to care for first. He desires a minimum of just a few extra huge fights at 130 earlier than he makes the transfer to 135.
“I’ll finally be going to 135,” he stated after his victory. “However I’m going to attempt to get a pair extra fights at 130. Like I stated I’m going to attempt to rent a nutritionist to do it higher subsequent time. It undoubtedly affected my power within the battle.”
So what potential opponents does he take note of?
The WBC champion is focusing on fellow beltholders Lamont Roach (WBA) and Emanuel Navarrete (WBO), in addition to another huge names within the division.
“I’ll take the winner of Liam Wilson [and Oscar Valdez on March 29],” he stated, per Struggle Hub TV. “Or if we will get Lamont Roach. I do know [Emanuel] Navarrete goes to 135 … but when he comes again, I’m prepared to do this too.”
Foster (22-2, 12 KOs) is also required to face comparatively unknown WBC obligatory challenger Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov (21-1, 11 KOs) of Tajikistan quickly.
Foster defeated Yaqubov by a one-sided choice in March 2022, after which Yaqubov has received three consecutive fights.
“If it’s obligatory and I’ve to, I’ll take it. It’s cool,” he stated. “I beat the man, Yaqubov. I’d relatively battle a Wilson or Oscar Valdez. But when I’ve to, I’ll fulfill my obligatory.”
One titleholder that doesn’t look like in Foster’s plans is Joe Cordina (IBF). Foster expressed curiosity in dealing with Cordina however the British fighter stated he desires to face an opponent towards whom he might make more cash.
“Man, they’d their likelihood,” Foster stated, referring to Cordina. “I used to be open for it. If it’s nonetheless out there, I’m with it, however I ain’t going to be chasing no person.”
Foster bought off to a gradual begin towards Nova (23-2, 16 KOs) within the second protection of the belt he received by outpointing Rey Vargas in February of final 12 months however discovered his rhythm within the center rounds and managed the battle down the stretch.
He put Nova down with a left hook with about 20 seconds remaining within the battle to clinch the victory. Replays appeared to substantiate Nova went down from the punch however he stated he slipped.
Foster wasn’t shopping for that model of occasions.
“Oh man, he’s delusional,” he stated. “It was a knockdown for positive. If I did stuff the suitable means, there would’ve been lots of knockdowns. I used to be dashing stuff, I used to be making an attempt to land an excessive amount of energy. It’s on me.”
Foster can have a possibility to enhance in a excessive profile battle quickly.
