Foster preparing to defend his WBC title against Conceição

On Saturday, July 6, at Prudential Center Newark, New Jersey, O’Shaquie Foster will defend his WBC super featherweight world title against Brazilian Olympic gold medalist and three-time world title challenger Robson Conceição.

Foster (22-2, 12 KOs) had a distinguished amateur career with more than 100 fights and an alternate spot in the 2012 U.S. Olympic team before entering the paid ranks later that year. He encountered two early-career setbacks, including a split decision defeat to Rolando Chinea in July 2016, which he assuredly learned from.

He returned more than a year later with renowned trainer Bobby Benton and has since then he has gone 12-0. Last February, he won the WBC world title with a points verdict over two-division world champion Rey Vargas before a dramatic 12th-round knockout win against Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez in October in a memorable thriller. The following month, Foster signed a long-term promotional deal with Top Rank. He returns after securing a well-earned split decision over Abraham Nova in February.

Foster said: “I’m excited to return for my third title defense. Conceição is a great opponent who has been in the ring with many top fighters, but on July 6 we will be ready. “I will continue to show that I am one of the best fighters in the world.”

Conceição (18-2-1, 9 KOs), Brazil’s inaugural Olympic boxing gold medalist, turned pro in November 2016. His only losses have come against unbeaten world champions, including a close decision against then-WBC champ Valdez in September 2021. Following the setback to Stevenson, Conceição’s June 2022 showdown against Nicolas Polanco ended in a no contest. He followed up by challenging three-weight world champion Emanuel Navarrete last November, rising twice from the canvas and battling to a majority draw. In April, he registered a seventh-round TKO against Jose Guardado.

Conceição said: “I really want to fight O’Shaquie Foster. This title is something I have been looking for for a long time and I am not going to let this opportunity slip away. I can guarantee that I will give my best, I will leave everything in the ring “Blood, sweat and dedication, everything will be invested in this fight for the title. I am ready to face any challenge that comes my way.”