O’Shaquie Foster is out for revenge in rematch against Robson Conceicao

O’Shaquie Foster is glad he has an opportunity to redeem himself after not getting the result he wanted when he first faced Robson Conceicao.

The southpaw Foster will challenge Conceicao for the WBC junior lightweight title Saturday night at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York. The 12-round matchup will be streamed live on ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

Saturday’s showdown is a rematch between Conceicao and Foster from their July 6 showdown, which Conceicao won by split decision and won Foster’s WBC title in the process. There was a significant public outcry, including on social media, as many media, insiders and fans thought Foster had done enough to win.

Because of the public outcry, about two weeks after the fight, the World Boxing Council’s board of governors mandated that Conceicao’s first defense of the title be against Foster.

Foster (22-3, 12 KOs) admitted he could have been more effective from the opening bell against Conceicao, but is glad he is in a position to win back his world title belt. Deep down, he knew that a reunion would be mandatory.

“After the fight, I had a good feeling there was going to be a rematch,” Foster told The Ring in a recent interview. “There was so much backlash and so many people saying things on the internet and (the outcome) went viral. I just had a good feeling that a second fight was going to happen. When it did come off I was actually happy so I could fix it wrong.

“I could have been more busy, more active (against Conceicao). Put together more combinations. I had more opportunities. That’s what I took away from it.”

Despite the loss to Conceicao, Foster was rated higher than the Brazil-born fighter. Foster and Conceicao are ranked as no. 2 and no. 8 rated.

Despite not currently holding a world title belt, Foster believes he is the best fighter at 130 pounds.

“I feel like I’m the best fighter in the world (at 130 pounds),” said Foster, who along with Conceicao is promoted by Top Rank. “I feel like I’m the best fighter, at any weight. You can put me in another weight class, and I’ll be the best fighter. I believe that every fighter should feel that way.”

The 31-year-old has shown different skills over his last few fights. Better known as a slick counterpuncher, Foster showed more power and aggression in his October 2023 fight against Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez. The fight was full of ebbs and flows, including round 11, which was a candidate for Round of the Year.

Foster would stop Hernandez in the next round, marking the first defense of the WBC title.

Whether it’s to keep boxing or stand and trade power punches, Foster can adapt if he needs to against any of the top fighters, thanks to work and improvement with longtime trainer Bobby Benton.

“To me, in the gym, some coaches are set in their ways,” Foster said. “They want you to train a certain way. He never tried to put me in a box. When we train, we train and put our minds together. If I see something I don’t like, or he sees something he doesn’t like, let’s talk about it. I can expand my mind. He doesn’t keep me in a box.

“The biggest thing for me was the mental aspect. When I could block out all the noise and I could focus, and really just box everything together, that’s when everything changed for me. Literally. It’s a lifestyle.”

Foster plans to make a statement at Conceicao’s expense. Rather than leave it in the hands of the judges, as in the first fight, Foster plans to end the fight early and walk out with the world title back around his waist.

“We come to work. Whatever the outcome, they’re gonna know I beat bro. Either they stop it, or his corner throws in the towel. That’s 12 rounds of punches. They are going to understand that I am the clear winner this time.

“We were definitely motivated.”