WBC super-featherweight world champion O’Shaquie Foster is preparing to defend his title for the second time. He will be facing Abraham Nova on Friday, February 16th in New York at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden. The fight will be broadcast live on ESPN.
This will be Foster’s first match since signing with Top Rank three months ago. By aligning himself with a major network, Foster has the opportunity to strengthen his brand and reach a wider audience.
Born and raised in Orange, Texas, O’Shaquie Foster faced adversity at a young age when his mother passed away from cancer when he was only 12 years old. In September 2012, Foster made his professional boxing debut, winning by first-round TKO against Theo Johnson.
Foster began his boxing career with eight consecutive victories. However, he faced setbacks, losing two of his next four fights. At the time, Foster lacked a consistent training routine and spent too much time in the streets, which led to his arrest in March 2017.
After serving time in Orange County Jail, Foster was released and decided to move to Houston. He began training with Bobby Benton and went on to win his next nine fights.
In February 2023, O’Shaquie Foster received a significant opportunity to fight Rey Vargas for the vacant WBC super-featherweight world title. Despite being the underdog due to Vargas’ impressive 36-0 record, Foster outboxed him and won the bout by unanimous decision.
Eight months later, Foster defended his title against Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez in Cancun, Mexico. Going into the 11th round, Foster was behind on the scorecards. However, in the southpaw stance, he landed multiple combinations and took control of the round, coming close to securing a stoppage.
In the closing seconds of the 11th round, Hernandez fought back and landed a big right hand, followed by a flurry of shots. The round was filled with intense back and forth action.
In the 12th round, with 1:46 remaining, Foster connected with a right hand that knocked Hernandez down. Although Hernandez managed to get back up, he went down for a second time shortly after.
Once again Hernandez was able to rise to his feet, but when the bout resumed, he was met with a barrage of punches that prompted the referee to intervene and bring an end to the contest. With the stoppage, Foster achieved a come-from-behind victory and secured a world championship belt.
Now O’Shaquie Foster (21-2, 12 KOs) is set to make his debut under the Top Rank banner in New York City. The reigning champion will face a formidable opponent who is determined to fulfill his lifelong aspiration of becoming a world titleholder.
Although born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Abraham Nova was raised in Albany, New York. He embarked on his professional boxing career by stringing together 21 consecutive victories. However, his first defeat came in June 2022 when he was knocked out in the fifth round by Robeisy Ramirez.
Nova quickly rebounded with triumphs over Adam Lopez and Jonatan Romero. Now, Abraham Nova has earned the opportunity he has longed for – a chance to vie for a world championship.
“I cannot afford to let this opportunity slip away,” Nova expressed during the press conference. “I have yearned for a world title for an indeterminate amount of time, and now I have been granted this chance. I am incredibly thrilled and motivated.”
On the evening of Friday, February 16th, Top Rank presents a compelling matchup featuring O’Shaquie Foster, a skilled boxer, against Abraham Nova, a powerful puncher. The defending champion exudes confidence, preparedness, and the determination to safeguard his WBC belt.
“I am prepared to step into the ring and deliver an unforgettable performance,” Foster declared. “I am well-acquainted with his fighting style, and we have diligently trained in the gym. Therefore, come Friday night, I will assert my dominance and provide an extraordinary spectacle for the audience.”
According to the Source boxingnews24.com