O’Shaquie Foster recaptured the WBC Super Featherweight title with a 12-round split decision over Robson Conceicao at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

The fight was a rematch of a fight from July that saw Conceicao win the title from Foster in a close and may controversial decision in Newark, New Jersey.

Much like the first battle, this was a closely contested fight, but the difference was the work done by Foster down the stretch that saw him win by scores of 115-113, while Conceicao took a card 115-113.

Foster landed 172 of 534 punches. Conceicao was 153 of 565.

Foster, 129.9 lbs of Orange, TX is 23-3. Conceicao, 129.7 lbs of Brazil is 19-3-1.

Foster said, “Man, he’s a hell of a fighter. His heart is unbelievable. Shoutout to him. He’s got a big heart.”

“I told y’all I was gonna step it up and bring it to him. That was my goal. I still ain’t satisfied with my performance, but I felt like I showed a lot of people my versatility.”

“I want the winner of Emanuel Navarrete vs. Oscar Valdez.”

Conceição said, “I’m happy because I know what I did in the ring. I did a good job, so there’s no reason to be sad. I know the victory wasn’t mine tonight, but I know that I did a good job.”

“If he wants the rematch, I’ll be ready. I gave him a rematch, so I think he should show the same respect to me by giving me the third fight.

Muratalla Stops Perez in 2

Raymond Muratalla remained undefeated by stopping Jesus Perez in round two of a scheduled 10-round lightweight bout

In round two, Muratalla dropped Perez with a right hand. Seconds later, Muratalla landed a perfect right to the jaw that put Perez down again. Muratalla then landed a two more rights and the fight was stopped at 1:24.

Muratalla, 136.6 lbs of Fontana, CA is 22-0 with 17 knockouts. Perez, 136.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 25-6.

Muratalla said, “I’m coming for those champions. I’ve still got it. I don’t know what people are talking about. I’m here.”

“I’m asking for these title shots, and they haven’t given them to me. So, tonight I proved that I deserve it. I want any of the champions.”

“I’m ready for any of the guys with the belts. I’m just waiting for that call. You saw what I’m capable of doing. I’m waiting for that call to fight any of the champions.”

Bryce Mills stopped Mike Ohan Jr. after round five if a scheduled eight-round junior lightweight bout.

Mills beat Ohan down and the corner stopped the bout after round five.

Mills, 139 lbs of Syracuse, NY is 17-1 with five knockouts. Ohan, 140.7 lbs of Hollbrook, MA is 19-4.

Abraham Nova and Humberto Galindo battled to a 10-round split draw in a junior lightweight fight.

Scores were 97-93 for Galindo; 96-94 for Nova and 95-94.

Nova, 133.4 lbs of Albany, NY is 23-3-1. Galindo, 1313 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 14-3-3.

Jahi Tucker scored an eighth and final round stoppage of Quilisto Madera in a middleweight fight.

In round eight, Tucker was deducted for holding and hitting. Later in the round, Tucker landed a couple of hard rights that buckled Madera that forced a referee stoppage at 1:52.

Tucker, 161.8 lbs of Deer Park, NY is 13-1-1 with six knockouts. Madera, 161.3 lbs of Stockton, CA is 14-4.

Ali Feliz stopped Rashad Coulter in round two of their six-round heavyweight bout.

Feliz landed a counter right hand to the head the drove Coulter to the ropes. Feliz followed up with 10 unanswered blows and the fight was waved off at 1:34.

Feliz, 224.1 lbs of Danbury, CT is 4-0 with three knockouts. Coulter, 252.1 lbs of Dallas is 5-5.

Yan Santana remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Eduardo Baez in a 10-round featherweight bout.

In round four, Santana dropped Baez with a hard left hook. Sanatana continued to pound on a hurt Baez and the fight was stopped at 1:57.

Santana, 126.3 lbs of La Romana, DR is 13-0 with 12 knockouts. Baez, 125.7 lbs of Mexicali, MX is 23-7-2.

Damian Knyba stopped Richard Lartey in round three of a scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round three, Knyba landed a right hand that was followed by a left hook that dumped Lartey on the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 2:10.

Knyba, 259.1 lbs of Poland is 14-0 with eight knockouts. Lartey, 288 lbs of Accra, GHA is 16-7.

• Robson Conceição 129.7 lbs vs. O’Shaquie Foster 129.9 lbs
(Conceição’s WBC Junior Lightweight World Title — 12 Rounds)
Referee: Mark Nelson
Judges: Max DeLuca, Eric Marlinski and Tom Schreck
 
•  Raymond Muratalla 136.6 lbs vs. Jesus Perez 136.2 lbs
(Lightweight — 10 Rounds)
 
•  Bryce Mills 139.8 lbs vs. Mike Ohan Jr. 140.7 lbs
(Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

•    Abraham Nova 131.4 lbs vs. Humberto Galindo 131.3 lbs
(Junior Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

•    Jahi Tucker 161.8 lbs vs.  Quilisto Madera 161.8 lbs
 (Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Ali Feliz 224.1 lbs vs. Rashad Coulter 252.1 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Yan Santana 126.8 lbs vs. Eduardo Baez 125.7 lbs
 (Featherweight — 10 Rounds)

•   Damian Knyba 259.1 lbs vs. Richard Lartey 288 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 8 Rounds)

VERONA, N.Y. (Oct. 31, 2024) — Less than four months after their first clash, Robson Conceição and O’Shaquie Foster are ready to settle unfinished business.

Conceição (19-2-1, 9 KOs) will defend his WBC junior lightweight title against Foster (22-3, 12 KOs) this Saturday, Nov. 2, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Conceição took the crown with a split decision in July. He believes he was the rightful victor, while Foster has been fueled by a desire to become a two-time world champion.

In the 10-round co-feature, rising lightweight contender Raymond Muratalla (21-0, 16 KOs) returns against Mexican warrior Jesus Perez (25-5, 18 KOs).

Conceição-Foster II and Muratalla-Perez will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ at approximately 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. The undercard will start at 5:50 p.m. ET/2:50 p.m. PT.

Local favorite Bryce Mills (16-1, 5 KOs), from nearby Syracuse, New York, will see action in an eight-round junior welterweight tilt versus Mike Ohan Jr. (19-3, 9 KOs), while former world title challenger Abraham “El Super” Nova (23-3, 16 KOs) will take on Humberto Galindo (14-3-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder at junior lightweight. 

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711, or online at Ticketmaster.com.

This is what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s press conference.
 Robson Conceição

“This fight is personal for me because I feel that a champion is a fighter who goes out there and doesn’t run around, who looks for the fight, who tries to win, and doesn’t just throw one or two punches and then moves away.”

“This has happened to me before, in fact, with Oscar Valdez and Emanuel Navarrete. I didn’t have the luck those nights, but I always go in there with the desire to fight. So, he’s going to have to fight for a second time against me as a result of that.”

“I had a really good camp. For the first fight, I didn’t have a great camp because I had a lot of pain. I even had an illness in that last camp, and so even with that, I was still able to win. But this time, I had a really great camp. It was a good, clean preparation, so I’m going to win in even better fashion this time.”

O’Shaquie Foster

“I’ve been good. I’ve just been grinding. But I hope he knows the name of the game is to hit and not get hit. That’s the name of the game. I’ve been in good spirits. I’m ready.”

“I ain’t really trying to dwell on the judges {in the first fight}. I wish them the best, but this fight, I plan on coming in and dominating to the best of my ability.”

“We plan on doing stuff different, and we plan on stepping to him. I hope he knows that. He’s talking and doing all that. I hope he had the best camp because we had a great camp, too. Everybody goes into fights with injuries and sicknesses, so I don’t want to hear that excuse. Saturday, it’s going to be showtime.” 

Raymond Muratalla

“I think these fights are the types of fights I need to show my skills and to prove I deserve those title fights.”

“Every fight, I’m looking to make a statement, so I can get these title fights that I want.”

Jesus Perez

“I had a good preparation for this fight, and the fighter who will win is the one who is best prepared for this fight.”

“We’re ready. We’re made for challenges. I like challenges, and God willing, with a win and a good fight, I will show that it’s no lucky shot. I’ll show that I was ready for any fighter.” 

Bryce Mills

“The best fights are the ones that are close to home, where I can get loved ones, my family, and all my supporters out to support me. And make no mistake about it, on November 2, I’m coming to put on a show.”

“The sport of boxing is my life, so in a lot of ways, it’s difficult to view my life without boxing because this is all I know. I live, eat, and breathe this sport. And I will until the day I retire.”

Abraham Nova

“It’s a blessing to be miles away from my hometown {Albany} and have the fans come and support me.”

On coming back following two close decision defeats

“Boxing is a very subjective sport, but the fans know who the champ is and how you present yourself in the ring. The last two fights didn’t go my way, but this is called perseverance. You have to keep taking these challenges and keep showing the world who you are because those three judges don’t see you as the champion… but the fans know who you really are. I fight to win, but I also fight for the fans. So, if I give the fans a fight and they feel like I won, I’m happy with that.”

“I’m 30 years young, not 30 years old. It’s just a number. I have a great family and great genetics behind me. I’m doing this for a long time. I feel I haven’t shown any injuries, ring rust, or things like that. On Saturday night, I’m going to display my skills and my youth.”

Saturday, November 2

FIRST BELL: LIVE on ESPN+ (5:50 p.m. ET/2:50 p.m. PT)
 

Robson Conceição vs. O’Shaquie Foster, 12 Rounds, Conceição‘s WBC Junior Lightweight World Title

Damian Knyba vs. Richard Lartey, 8 Rounds, Heavyweight

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN: Conceição vs. Foster 2 will be presented live this Saturday, November 2, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Starting at 5:50 p.m. ET/2:50 p.m. PT, the entire card will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+. The co-feature will begin at approximately 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

In the main event, Robson Conceição will defend his WBC junior lightweight world title against O’Shaquie Foster.  Conceição dethroned Foster via split decision in a fiercely contested matchup less than four months ago.
 
Conceição (19-2-1, 9 KOs), Brazil’s first Olympic boxing gold medalist, turned pro in 2016, with his only losses coming in world title showdowns against then-unbeaten world champions Oscar Valdez (2021) and Shakur Stevenson (2022). After a no contest against Nicolas Polanco and a draw against WBO junior lightweight world champion Emanuel Navarrete in 2023, Conceição stopped Jose Guardado in April before capturing a world title in his fourth attempt.

Foster (23-3, 12 KOs) turned pro in 2012 after a decorated amateur career with more than 100 fights and a U.S. Olympic team alternate spot. Despite early setbacks, he rebounded with a 12-fight winning streak, snatching the WBC crown in 2023 by outpointing Rey Vargas. He defended his title with a thrilling 12th-round stoppage of Rocky Hernandez last October and a hard-fought decision over Abraham Nova in February.

In the 10-round co-feature, lightweight contender Raymond Muratalla returns against the upset-hungry Jesus Perez.

The 27-year-old Muratalla (21-0, 16 KOs) had a flawless 2023, going 3-0 with three knockouts. In March, he recovered from a first-round knockdown to stop Galindo in the ninth, and in May, he dismantled Jeremia Nakathila in two rounds. He closed out the year by defeating Mexican puncher Diego Torres. Muratalla has continued his momentum this year with decision victories over Xolisani Ndongeni in March and former world champion Tevin Farmer in July.

Perez (25-5, 18 KOs), from Tijuana, Mexico, started his career 21-0 with 16 knockouts before his first loss in 2018. In his latest outing, he upset former world champion Joseph Diaz Jr. by split decision.

Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna will call the action.

New! The ESPN Original Series “The Fight Life”  premiered October 7 and chronicles a year in the world of Top Rank Boxing through the journeys of five of the sport’s elite boxers: Tyson Fury, Naoya Inoue, Seniesa Estrada, Teofimo Lopez, and Josh Taylor. 

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

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Conceição vs. Foster 2 (All Times ET)

About ESPN

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HOUSTON, Texas (Oct. 21, 2024) — Former world champion O’Shaquie Foster has unfinished business. 

The 31-year-old will face Robson Conceição for the WBC junior lightweight world title on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Foster lost his title to Conceição via split decision in July, a controversial verdict that left him angered and motivated to become a two-time world champion.

Conceição-Foster II headlines a stacked card that will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711, or online at Ticketmaster.com.

After a decorated amateur career, Foster (22-3, 12 KOs) turned pro in 2012. After early setbacks, he rebounded with a 12-fight winning streak under trainer Bobby Benton, capturing the WBC strap by outpointing Rey Vargas in February 2023. Foster defended his crown with a thrilling 12th-round stoppage of Rocky Hernandez on enemy turf before outboxing Abraham Nova to a points verdict in his second defense.

Following a recent training session in Houston, this is what Foster had to say:

“The fight was easy. I didn’t see where the judges got that decision. But the fight was easy for me. I only saw that I could have been more active and let my hands go in certain situations more.”

“There are a lot of things I can do in that ring. I feel like I could have just put more combinations. I could have done a little bit more. But now I get the opportunity to do it again. Not everybody gets that opportunity. A lot of times, people get robbed, and they don’t they don’t get the rematch. So, I’m fortunate to get that rematch, and I’m looking to let my hands go more.”

“I feel like he might try to come out and do something different, but if you watch his fights, he fights the same way every time. He doesn’t switch it up too much. But, in my eyes, I’m just focused on what I can do. I’m good with rematches. I used to get them a lot in the amateurs and always avenged them. This is my first one in the pros, so I’m excited about it. It’s going to be fun.”

“I want the biggest fights. We’ve got the Emanuel Navarrete vs. Oscar Valdez fight on December 7. So, I feel like it will line up perfectly.”

VERONA, N.Y. (Sept. 9, 2024) — As the debate over their first encounter remains intense, Robson Conceição and O’Shaquie Foster are wasting no time running it back.
 
Conceição will defend his WBC junior lightweight world title against Foster on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Conceição dethroned Foster via split decision in a fiercely contested matchup in July.
 
In the 10-round co-feature, lightweight contender Raymond Muratalla returns against the upset-hungry Jesus Perez.

Conceição-Foster II and Muratalla-Perez headline a stacked card that will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.
 
Former world title challenger Abraham “El Super” Nova (23-3, 16 KOs) will see action on the undercard in a 10-round junior lightweight tilt against Mexico’s Humberto Galindo (14-3-2, 11 KOs). Nova looks to end 2024 on a high note after close split decision losses to Foster in February and Andres Cortes in June. 

Local favorite Bryce Mills (16-1, 5 KOs), from nearby Liverpool, New York, faces former world title challenger Hank Lundy (32-14-1, 14 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight contest.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711, or online at Ticketmaster.com.

“Conceição and Foster are eager to prove themselves following their initial fight,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “This rematch is about setting things straight. Both want to show who the better man is, which will make for an exciting, competitive matchup, with the winner positioning himself for a chance at a unification bout.” 

Conceição (19-2-1, 9 KOs), Brazil’s first Olympic boxing gold medalist, turned professional in November 2016. His losses have been to unbeaten world champions, suffering a narrow points defeat to then-WBC champ Oscar Valdez in September 2021 and a loss to Shakur Stevenson in a bid for two world titles one year later. After a no contest against Nicolas Polanco in June 2023, Conceição fought then-WBO champion Emanuel Navarrete to a majority draw that November. In April, he stopped Jose Guardado in seven rounds. Motivated by his perseverance to win Olympic gold on his third attempt, Conceição captured world title glory on his fourth try.

Conceição said, “I’m fully focused and ready for my first title defense. Every fight is a new opportunity to prove myself, and on November 2, I’ll step into the ring with the same determination and hunger that brought me here. I respect O’Shaquie Foster, but I will show why I’m the true champion. My team and I have worked tirelessly, and I’m confident our efforts will be rewarded again. Foster, don’t run in the ring! See you in Verona!”

Foster (23-3, 12 KOs) turned pro in 2012 following a decorated amateur career with over 100 fights and an alternate spot on the U.S. Olympic team. After early-career setbacks, including a split decision to Rolando Chinea in July 2016, he mounted a successful resurgence under the guidance of trainer Bobby Benton. Foster then went on a 12-fight winning streak, capturing the WBC crown with a points triumph over Rey Vargas in February 2023 and defending it on enemy turf with a thrilling 12th-round stoppage of Rocky Hernandez last October. Foster made the second defense of his strap by decisioning Nova in February.

Foster said, “I can’t wait for November 2. I’m ready to go out there and make a statement. That bad decision woke something up in me, and now all I can think about is the ‘get back.’ I want to thank everybody who pushed for the right thing to be done. Now the focus is to become a two-time champion.”

Muratalla (21-0, 16 KOs), a 27-year-old contender on the cusp of a world title opportunity, had a flawless 2023, going 3-0 with three knockouts. In March, he rose off the deck following a first-round knockdown to stop Galindo with a body shot in the ninth. That May, he opened the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko pay-per-view by dismantling Jeremiah Nakathila in two rounds. He capped off the year in November by dispatching Mexican power puncher Diego Torres in eight. In 2024, Muratalla tallied points verdicts in 10-rounders versus Xolisani Ndongeni in March and former world champion Tevin Farmer in July.

Muratalla said, “I’m excited to get back in the ring. I like staying active, so fighting for the third time this year will keep me sharp as I get closer to a world title. Jesus Perez is tough and experienced. He’ll bring the fight, which means it will be an exciting clash where I can show my skills.”

Perez (25-5, 18 KOs) went 21-0 with 16 knockouts before suffering his first defeat against then-unbeaten Ruslan Madiyev in May 2018. Since then, the Tijuana, Mexico, native has tested the likes of welterweight contender Alexis Rocha and eventual WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. In his last outing, he upset former world champion Joseph Diaz Jr. by split decision.
 

# # #

About Turning Stone Resort Casino
Host of the November 2 event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for major boxing events that are broadcast around the world. Boxing hall-of-famers and legends of the sport have attended fights, promoted cards, or fought at Turning Stone over the last two decades, including Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miquel Cotto, Mike Tyson among many others.   
 
Turning Stone is the Official Resort Casino of the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, an international event celebrating boxing legends and current superstars in the sport. Throughout the year, Turning Stone and the Boxing Hall of Fame attract thousands of boxing fans, Hall of Famers and sports media to the region for a series of boxing events at Turning Stone that culminate in June with the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend.
 
Turning Stone features world-class amenities including NY Rec & Social Club, featuring TS Sports, a state-of-the-art sports book an elevated sports lounge, five hotels, more than 20 signature dining options, two spas, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, multiple entertainment venues, five golf courses, and several bars and lounges offering live entertainment every weekend.

NEWARK, NJ–Shakur Stevenson retained the WBC Lightweight Title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Artem Harutyunanyan in front of 8,412 fans at The Prudential Center in Newark.

Stevenson and Harutyunyan each took turns pushing the pace with Stevenson countering very nicely. Late in the fight, Stevenson started to break down Harutyunyan with a body assault. Stevenson was never testes and coasted to the victory by scores of 119-109, 118-110 and 116-112.

Stevenson landed 170 of 446 punches. Harutyunyan was 74 of 423.

Stevenson, 134.1 lbs of Newark, NJ is 22-0. Harutyunyan, 134.8 lbs of Hamburg, GER is 12-2.

Stevenson

“It’s kind of hard to prove it if you don’t have a fighter who wants to fight back. He’s just trying to make sure he survives. He’s a good fighter. He’s tough. He’s strong. I would’ve wanted him to try a little harder, so that way it could be a more fun fight.”

“I have to cut off the ring a bit more. He’d go one way and then go the other way, so I gotta go back in the gym and work on cutting off the gym.”

“I think the boos were because of him. He didn’t try to make the fight.”

“We’ll see {what’s next}. Like I said, I want to fight the best fighters in boxing. That’s how you’ll see the best version of me. Put me in the ring with somebody else who wants to fight back and compete. That’s when you’ll get the best out of me.”

Harutyunyan

“Of course it was fun. Boxing is not a game. You have to fight. You get hit and have to hit back. It’s normal.”

“He belongs with the top fighters in this weight category, like me also.”

Conceicao Decisions Foster to Win Junior Lightweight Title

In his fourth try, at a world title, Robson Conceicao won the WBC Junior Lightweight title with a debatable 12-rpund split decision over defending champion O’Shaquie Foster.

The fight was void of sustainable action as neither fighter seized control. Fioster out landed Conceicao 109 (of 435)-78 (of 701), but the two of the three judges saw the fight for the Brazilian challenger 116-112 and 115-113. A third judge saw it 115-113 for Foster.

Conceicao, 129.5 lbs of Bahia, BRA is 19-2-1. Foster, 128.8 lbs of Ornage, TEX is 22-3.

CONCEICAO

“This is for my daughter. I promised this to my daughter, and I was able to fulfill that promise. I’m the champion of the world.”

“I do think I won the fight. I landed way more. He didn’t come to fight. He was running and running. I was the winner.”

FOSTER

“I thought it was shutout. I don’t know.”

“I don’t know, man. I thought it was easy. I thought it was an easy fight. I didn’t get touched except with a headbutt. I don’t know, man.”

“I’ll be back. But I want the rematch. They stole this from me. They stole this fight from me. I just wanted to show the world I could bang it out, and if I want to, I don’t have to get touched. I guess it wasn’t good enough for the judges.”

Keyshawn Davis Decisions Madueno

Keyshawn Davis remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Miguel Madueno in a lightweight bout.

It was a foul filled fight, but no points were taken away.

Davis landed 194 of 398 punches. Madueno was 63 of 461.

Davis, 134.8 lbs of Norfolk, VA won by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is now 11-0. Maduwno, 134.7 lbs of Mexico is now 31-3.

Keyshawn Davis

“He’s a rough type of a guy, a real physical type of guy. We were doing a lot of rough tactics in there, just trying to get under each other’s skin.”

“ We were both tough in there, and neither of our wills got broke.”

“I know {WBO lightweight champion} Denys Berinchyk mentioned my name. I’m definitely targeting Berinchyk.”

Abdullah Mason Destroys Luis LeBron in 3

Abdullah Mason took out Luis LeBron in round three of their eight-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Mason dropped Lebron with a hard left. With the face of Lebron bloodied, Mason dropped Lebron again with a right hook to the top of the head. In round three, Mason continued to pour it on as he landed a ripping combination that forced a stoppage at 1:18.

Mason, 134.8 lbs of Cleveland is 14-0 with 12 knockouts. LeBron, 135.8 lbs of San Juan, PR is 20-4-1.

“I guess we fed him a little bit of smoke, and he didn’t have the appetite for it.”

What’s next

“A lot of people say they’re ready to fight, but are they? Do they want the smoke?”

Eridson Garcia won a 10-round unanimous decision over William Foster III in a junior lightweight bout.

Garcia, 130.7 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 19-1. Foster, 130.4 lbs of New Haven, CT is 17-2.

Keith Colon stopped Hunter Turbyfill in round two of their four-round featherweight bout.

In round two, Colon dropped Trbyfill with a hard combination to the body. Turbyfill was reeling and a blistering flurry of punches ended the fight at 2:03.

Colon, 125.3 lbs of Newark is 1-0 with one knockout. Turblyfill, 124.1 lbs of Memphis, TN is 4-2.

Kelvin Davis won an eight-round majority decision over Kevin Johnson in a junior middleweight bout.

Davis, 142.9 lbs of Norfolk, VA won by scores of 78-73 twice and 76-76 and is now 13-0. Johnson, 142.9 lbs of Detroit is 12-4.

Ali Feliz remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Robinson Perez in a heavyweight bout.

In round three, Perez was cut around the right eye.

Feliz, 219.5 lbs of Danbury, CT won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 3-0. Perez, 245.1 lbs of Southbridge, MA is 2-1.

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN, presented by AutoZone: Shakur vs. Artem, will be broadcast live this Saturday, July 6, at 8:30 p.m. ET/ 5:30 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. The televised quadruple-header will take place at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Newark’s three-division king, Shakur Stevenson, is ready to defend his crown on native turf making the inaugural defense of his WBC lightweight world championship against Armenian-born German Olympian Artem Harutyunyan.

Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) was a silver medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics and is now a three-weight world champion.  The 27-year-old won his first world title in 2019 by defeating Joet Gonzalez for the WBO featherweight strap. He won the WBO junior lightweight crown in 2021 by knocking out Jamel Herring and unified titles when he notched a one-sided decision over Oscar Valdez the following year. Last November, he bested Edwin De Los Santos by unanimous decision to win the WBC lightweight crown, he is now making his first defense of that title.

Harutyunyan (12-1, 7 KOs) earned an Olympic bronze medal for Germany in 2016 and started his pro career the following year. He jumped out to a 12-0 record while fighting exclusively in Germany, including a win over then-unbeaten Samuel Molina for a regional title. Last July, he made his U.S. debut against Frank Martin, losing a narrow decision.

In the co-feature, O’Shaquie Foster will defend his WBC junior lightweight 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, including an alternate spot in the 2012 U.S. Olympic team before joining the paid ranks later that year. After early setbacks, he returned under trainer Bobby Benton and went 12-0, winning the WBC world title in February 2023 with a points victory over Rey Vargas. Later that year, he defended the title with a dramatic, come-from-behind 12^th-round knockout of Rocky Hernandez. He returns after securing a well-earned split decision over Abraham Nova earlier this year.

Conceição (18-2-1, 9 KOs), Brazil’s first Olympic boxing gold medalist, turned pro in 2016. His only losses have come in world championship tries, including a draw against three-weight world champion Emanuel Navarrete last November. In April, Conceição scored a seventh-round TKO over Jose Guardado.

In the 10-round lightweight special feature, Keyshawn Davis will take on Mexican puncher Miguel Madueño. Davis (10-0, 7 KOs), from Norfolk, Virginia, quickly rose from prospect to contender. After going 3-0 as a pro, he earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Since the end of that year, he has amassed seven wins. In 2023, he stopped Anthony Yigit in nine rounds and defeated Francesco Patera. Despite his victory last year over Nahir Albright being overturned due to a positive marijuana test, Davis returned in February to decisively defeat former two-weight world champion Jose Pedraza via sixth-round TKO

Madueño (31-2, 28 KOs) bounced back from a points setback to Canadian contender Steve Claggett last November by decisioning Justin Pauldo in February.

And, in the eight-round lightweight televised opener, Abdullah Mason (13-0, 11 KOs) will fight Puerto Rican veteran Luis Lebron (20-5-1, 13 KOs).

Undercard action begins at 6:10 p.m. ET/ 3:10 p.m. PT exclusively on ESPN+.

Calling the action will be ESPN’s Joe Tessitore, Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna, who was recently inducted into the National Boxing Hall of Fame.

ESPN.com

ESPN’s Mike Coppinger will have updates following Saturday’s main event between Shakur Stevenson and Artem Harutyunyan.

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Shakur vs. Artem (All Times ET)

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NEWARK, N.J. (May 7, 2024) — Newark’s three-division king is ready to defend his crown on native turf.

Shakur Stevenson will make the inaugural defense of his WBC lightweight world championship against Armenian-born German Olympian Artem Harutyunyan on Saturday, July 6, at Prudential Center in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey.

In the co-feature, O’Shaquie Foster will defend his WBC junior lightweight world title against Brazilian Olympic gold medalist and three-time world title challenger Robson Conceição.

In the 10-round lightweight televised opener, Keyshawn Davis will take on Mexican veteran Miguel Madueño.

Stevenson-Harutyunyan, Foster-Conceição, and Davis-Madueño will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN, Deportes and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Universum Boxing, tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 22 at 2 p.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com.

“There is a unique connection between Shakur and the City of Newark, and we are thrilled he’s returning for another hometown appearance against a tough opponent in Artem Harutyunyan,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “O’Shaquie Foster does not shy away from the best opposition, and I know Robson Conceição is motivated to pull off the upset. And with Keyshawn Davis on the card against a rugged contender in Madueño, this is quite the tripleheader we have in store in Brick City.”

“To once again welcome back Top Rank, ESPN, and Shakur Stevenson for the third time in two years is a great honor for Prudential Center and the entire city of Newark,” said Dylan Wanagiel, VP of Sports Properties & Special Events for Prudential Center. “We look forward to hosting an unforgettable evening filled with history-making moments in the heart of New Jersey as Shakur takes on a formidable opponent in Artem Harutyunyan for the WBC Lightweight Title.  Following consecutive record-breaking events with Shakur headlining, we are excited to showcase the sweet science in our world class venue, further solidifying Newark’s reputation for marquee events around the world.”

Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) has won world titles in three weight classes during his seven-year run. After securing a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics, he made his pro debut in 2017 and swiftly moved up the ranks. He captured his first world title by defeating Joet Gonzalez for the WBO featherweight strap in October 2019. Two years later, he stopped Jamel Herring in 10 rounds to earn the WBO title at 130 pounds. The 26-year-old southpaw unified world titles by handing then-WBC champion Oscar Valdez his first loss in April 2022. Stevenson then claimed two consecutive victories at Prudential Center by defeating Conceição that September and stopping Japanese contender Shuichiro Yoshino in six last April. Hee outpointed Dominican puncher Edwin De Los Santos last November to become the WBC lightweight world champion.

Stevenson said, “It feels good to be going back home to Newark, where they appreciate a young legend, and to make my first title defense at 135. On July 6, Down Goes Artem!”

Harutyunyan (12-1, 7 KOs) captured an Olympic bronze medal for Germany in 2016. He started his pro career the following year and went 12-0 in his adopted country with triumphs over Samuel Molina in September 2021 and Humberto Galindo in June 2022. Last July, he made his U.S. debut in a competitive showdown against Frank Martin. The 33-year-old had success with his aggression and right hand, though Martin rallied late to win a narrow unanimous decision. Harutyunyan will have his first world title shot against his second consecutive southpaw rival.

Harutyunyan said, “I respect Shakur Stevenson as a champion, but I’m coming to shock his hometown fans and win the WBC lightweight championship. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I will take full advantage of it. This will be my second fight in the U.S. I’ve learned and progressed since my loss to Frank Martin.”

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. He returned more than a year later with renowned trainer Bobby Benton and has since 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. 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 be back for my third title defense. Conceição is a great opponent who has been in the ring with a lot of top fighters, but come July 6, we will be ready. I will keep proving that I’m 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 in April.

Conceição said, “I’m really looking forward to this fight against O’Shaquie Foster. This title is something I’ve been aiming for a long time, and I’m not going to let this opportunity slip away. I can guarantee that I’ll give my best; I’ll leave everything in the ring. Blood, sweat, and dedication—everything will be invested in this title bout. I’m ready to face any challenge that comes my way. Let’s go all in towards victory! Brazil!”

Davis (10-0, 7 KOs), from Norfolk, Virginia, made a quick transition from prospect to contender. After going 3-0 as a pro, he earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. In November 2021, he inked a long-term promotional pact with Top Rank and has amassed seven wins since. In 2023, he stopped Anthony Yigit in nine rounds in April and vanquished Francesco Patera via 10-round decision in July. After his October win over Nahir Albright was overturned to a no contest due to a positive marijuana test, Davis returned with renewed vigor in February to dispatch former two-weight world champion Jose Pedraza in six. Madueño (31-2, 28 KOs) tallied a three-fight winning spree after a decision defeat to Jezreel Corrales in March 2022. The streak was halted by a points setback against Canadian contender Steve Claggett last November, but he bounced back quickly by decisioning Justin Pauldo in February.

Davis said, “Madueño is a tough fighter with more than 30 pro fights, and I have a lot of respect for what he brings to the table. I love fighting in Newark. The fans there are special, and I am going to feed off their energy and put on a show.”

Undercard action — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ — includes the return of 20-year-old lightweight prodigy Abdullah Mason and unbeaten heavyweight prospect Damian “Polish Hussar” Knyba.

Mason (13-0, 11 KOs) will make his third 2024 appearance in an eight-rounder against Puerto Rican veteran Luis Lebron. The Cleveland native went 5-0 with four knockouts last year before stopping Benjamin Gurment in two in February. He is coming off a fourth-round TKO win over Ronal Ron in April. Lebron (20-5-1, 13 KOs) has given stiff tests to Duke Ragan and Henry Lebron and stopped Giovanni Gutierrez in February.  

Knyba (13-0, 7 KOs), a 6-foot-7 behemoth with an 86-inch reach, returns in an eight-rounder versus Richard Lartey (16-6, 13 KOs). He joined the Top Rank stable in January 2023 and scored a TKO win over Curtis Harper that April followed by decisions over Helaman Olguin in June and Michael Coffie in December.

# # #

ABOUT PRUDENTIAL CENTER

Prudential Center is the world-class sports and entertainment venue located in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Opened in October 2007, the state-of-the-art arena is the home of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) three-time Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall University’s NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball program, and more than 210 concerts, family shows and special events each year. Ranked in the Top 5 worldwide by Pollstar, Billboard and Venues Today, Prudential Center is recognized as one of the premier venues in the United States, and hosts over 2 million guests annually. For more information about Prudential Center, visit https://www.prucenter.com/ and follow the arena on Facebook, X and Instagram @PruCenter. Prudential Center is a HBSE property.

O’Shaquie Foster retained the WBC Super Featherweight world title with a 12-round split decision over Abraham Nova at The Madison Square Garden Theater.

Foster scored a knockdown in the last 20 seconds of the contest.

Foster, 130 lbs of Orange, TX won by scores of 116-111 and 115-112 with Nova taking a 114-113 card.

Foster is now 22-2. Nova, 129 lbs of Albany, NY is 23-2.

Cortes Stops Chevalier in 4

Andres Cortes remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Bryan Chevelier in a 10-round junior lightweight bout.

Ringside doctors checked on Chevalier before round four began.In that round, Cortes battered Chevalier all over the ring until the corner stopped the fight at 2:17.

Cortes, 130 lbs of Las Vegas is 21-0 with 12 knockouts. Chevalier, 129 lbs of Bayamon, PR is 20-2-1.

Carrington Obliterates Torres in 4

Impressive Bruce Carrington scored a spectacular fourth round stoppage over Bernard Torres in a 10-round featherweight bout.

In round four, Carrington landed a perfect right hand that put Torres down face-first in the canvas and the fight was stopped at 2:59.

Carrington, 125.6 lbs of Brooklyn is 11-0 with seven knockouts. Torres, 125.6 lbs of The Philippines is 18-2.

Guido Vianello destroyed Moses Johnson in the opening round of their eight-round heavyweight bout,

In round one, Johnson dropped Johnson with an overhand right. The punch was ruled on the back of the head. Seconds later, Vianello dropped Johnson with a right hand. Johnson was sent down again with a hard right hand. Johnson was wobbly, but still was let to continue. Vianello dropped Johnson for a third time yet Johnson was forced to continue. Finally Vianello ended things when he decked Johnson again and the fight was waved off at 2:59.

Vianello, 242.2 lbs of Rome, ITA is 12-1-1 with 10 knockouts. Johnson, 248.4 lbs of Huntington, NY is 11-2-2.

Isaah Flaherty won a six-round unanimous decision over Julian Baptiste in a middleweight bout.

Flaherty, 158.4 lbs of Elmont, NY won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 7-0. Baptiste, 158.2 lbs of Annesbury, MA is now 6-4.

In round one, Flaherty was cut on the top of the head from a head clash.

Ofacio Falcon remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Edward Ceballos in a junior lightweight bout.

Falcon, 130 lbs of Bronx, NY won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 11-0. Ceballos, 129.6 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 11-5-1.

Tiger Johnson was impressive in stopping Paulo Galdino in the opening round of their eight-round junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Johnson landed blistering a right hand that set up a perfect left uppercut that put Galdino down. With Galdino hurt, Johnson landed a hard right that sent Galdino back on the ropes and the fight was stopped at 2:49.

Johnson, 140.4 lbs of Cleveland is 12-0 with six knockouts. Galdino, 141.8 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 13-8-2.

Euri Cedeno stopped Antonio Todd in round five of their eight-round middleweight bout.

Cedeno, 159 lbs of La Romanoa, DR is 8-0-1 with seven knockouts. Todd, 158.6 lbs of Atlanta is 16-10.

Arnold Gonzalez won a six-round unanimous decision over Charles Stanford in a welterweight bout.

Gonzalez, 150 lbs of Harlem, NY won by scores of 59-55 twice and 58-56 and is now `4-0. Stanford, 147.6 lbs of Cincinnati, OH is 7-5.

•  O’Shaquie Foster 130 lbs. vs. Abraham Nova 129 lbs
(Foster’s WBC Junior Lightweight World Title – 12 Rounds)

   •  Andres Cortes 130 lbs vs. Bryan Chevalier 129 lbs
(Junior Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

•  Bruce Carrington 125.6 lbs vs. Bernard Torres 125.4 lbs
 (Featherweight — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 5:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. PT)

•  Guido Vianello 242.2 lbs vs. Moses Johnson 248.4 lbs
 (Heavyweight— 8 Rounds)

•  Isaah Flaherty 158.4 lbs vs. Julien Baptiste 158.2 lbs
 (Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Ofacio Falcon 130 lbs vs. Edward Ceballos 129.6 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Tiger Johnson 140.4 lbs vs. Paulo Galdino 141.8 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Euri Cedeno 159 lbs vs. Antonio Todd 158.6 lbs
 (Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Arnold Gonzalez 150 lbs vs. Charles Stanford 147.6 lbs
 (Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Foster vs. Nova will be presented live this Friday, February 16, at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ from The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

In the main event, WBC junior lightweight world champion, O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster will make his second world title defense against Abraham “El Super” Nova.

Foster (21-2, 10 KOs) is unbeaten in 11 fights since a split decision loss to Rolando Chinea in July 2016. He won the WBC world title in February 2023 with a one-sided decision over Mexican standout Rey Vargas. Eight months later, he salvaged his title with a come-from-behind 12th-round knockout over Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez.

Nova (23-1, 16 KOs) had nearly 200 fights during a storied amateur career that included victories over Frank Martin, Richardson Hitchins, and Nahir Albright. In June 2022, he suffered his lone career setback, a one-punch knockout at the hands of two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist and eventual world champion Robeisy Ramirez. Following the Ramirez defeat, Nova returned to junior lightweight and picked up wins over veteran Adam Lopez and former world champion Jonathan Romero.

In the 10-round junior lightweight co-feature, Andres “Savage” Cortes takes on Puerto Rican contender Bryan Chevalier. Undefeated Cortes (20-0, 11 KOs) emerged in August 2021 with a first round knockout of former world title challenger Genesis Servania and has recorded four knockouts in his last six appearances. Chevalier (20-1-1, 16 KOs), a 10-year-pro, is unbeaten in his last 12 fights.
 
In the 10-round televised opener, rising featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, will face Filipino-born standout Bernard Torres. Carrington (10-0, 6 KOs), 2020 U.S. Olympic trials champion, has been rapidly ascending the ranks since turning pro in October 2021. In his last performance, Carrington stunned former world title challenger Jason Sanchez by knocking him out in two rounds. Torres (18-1, 8 KOs), a Filipino-born southpaw, debuted in the paid ranks in October 2017. Torres is coming off a 10-round points verdict over Tanzanian veteran Nasibu Ramadhani in June.

Undercard action exclusively on ESPN+ begins at 5:20 p.m. ET/ 2:20 p.m. PT.

Calling the action will be ESPN’s Joe Tessitore, Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna. 

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Foster vs. Nova (All Times ET)

NEW YORK CITY (Jan. 10, 2024) — Two rising talents are set to put their perfect records on the line as part of the ESPN-televised tripleheader headlined by the WBC junior lightweight showdown between reigning champ O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster and Abraham “El Super” Nova on Friday, Feb. 16 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

In the 10-round junior lightweight co-feature, Andres “Savage” Cortes takes on Puerto Rican contender Bryan Chevalier.

Rising featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, the latest fistic prodigy from Brownsville, Brooklyn, will face Filipino-born standout Bernard Torres in the 10-round televised opener.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Murphys Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotion, tickets go on sale Friday, Jan. 12 at 12 p.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com.

Foster-Nova, Cortes-Chevalier and Carrington-Torres will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Cortes (20-0, 11 KOs) emerged in July 2020 when he rose from the canvas to secure a unanimous decision win over Alejandro Salinas inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble. After decisioning Eduardo Garza in May 2021, Cortes shined with a first-round knockout against former world title challenger Genesis Servania three months later and a third-round TKO against Mark Bernaldez that November. The 26-year-old signed with Top Rank in March 2022 and has since gone 4-0 with two knockouts. Last July, Cortes scored a seventh-round stoppage victory over Xavier Martinez.

Cortes said, “I can’t wait to perform on the big stage at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. This is a massive opportunity, and I will put the junior lightweight division on notice. I want a world title shot, but I must perform well against a tough opponent in Chevalier to make that goal a reality. 2024 is the year I bring a world title home to Las Vegas.”

Chevalier (20-1-1, 16 KOs), a 10-year-pro, is unbeaten in his last 12 fights. He made his U.S. debut by defeating James Wilkins to capture his first regional title in July 2021. Following a yearlong absence from the ring, he returned in 2022 with TKO wins against Carlos Padilla and Cesar Juarez. The 29-year-old continued to build on his momentum last year, tallying seventh-round stoppages against Alberto Mercado in April and Ranfis Javier Encarnacion in July.

Chevalier said, “Andres Cortes is a great fighter. Boxing fans will really enjoy a great fight that night. Expect to see in me a warrior who will do everything possible to walk away victorious. That night, everyone in the boxing world will know who Bryan Chevalier is.”

Carrington (10-0, 6 KOs), 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials champion, has been rapidly ascending the ranks since turning pro in October 2021. The 26-year-old impressed with five victories in 2023, including a second-round knockout over then-unbeaten Brandon Chambers in April. In his last performance, Carrington stunned former world title challenger Jason Sanchez by knocking him out in only two rounds. Carrington enters 2024 knocking on the doorstep of title contention.

“It is always extra special to fight in at The Garden in front of my hometown fans, and I look forward to putting on a show for my people and everyone watching on ESPN,” Carrington said. “I’ve graduated from prospect to contender, and this is the year everyone sees my full arsenal.” 

Torres (18-1, 8 KOs), a Filipino-born southpaw from Norway, debuted in the paid ranks in October 2017. He went 16-0 before losing via 10-round unanimous decision to Frency Fortunato in September 2022 in his U.S. debut. The 27-year-old bounced back with an eighth-round TKO win against Cristian Avila last January in Oslo, Norway. Torres is coming off a 10-round points verdict over Tanzanian veteran Nasibu Ramadhani in June.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard features:

2016 Italian Olympian Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (11-1-1, 9 KOs) battles Moses Johnson (11-1-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round heavyweight contest. Vianello returns following a decision win over Curtis Harper in October. Johnson, from Huntington, New York, tallied a third-round TKO against Emilio Salas in December. 

Junior welterweight prospect Tiger Johnson (11-0, 5 KOs), a U.S. Olympian from Cleveland, Ohio, makes his 2024 debut in an eight-rounder against Brazil’s Paulo Galdino (13-7-2, 9 KOs). Johnson capped off a spotless 2023 in December with a gritty eight-round split decision over Jimerr Espinosa.

Unbeaten junior lightweight prospect Ofacio Falcon (10-0, 6 KOs) will make his second appearance at The Theater against Edward Ceballos (11-4-1, 6 KOs). Falcon, a native of The Bronx, decisioned Pedro Vicente Scharbaai in June.

Middleweight prospect Euri Cedeno (7-0-1, 6 KOs), who represented the Dominican Republic at the Tokyo Olympics, makes his New York City debut against Atlanta native Antonio Todd (15-9, 9 KOs) in an eight-rounder.

Queens-born middleweight Isaah Flaherty (6-0, 3 KOs) will see action in a six-rounder against an opponent to be named.

NEW YORK (Dec. 8, 2023) — WBC junior lightweight world champion O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster hopes to cool off the latest challenger to his throne.
 
Foster, the fighting pride of Orange, Texas, will make his second world title defense against Abraham “El Super” Nova on Friday, Feb. 16 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Murphys Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotion, ticket information and undercard fights will be announced in due course.
 
Foster-Nova will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
 
“O’Shaquie Foster wants to prove he is the best junior lightweight in the world, and he’ll have an opportunity to make that statement February 16 against a determined, powerful challenger in Abraham Nova,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I look forward to another great fight night at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.”
 
Foster (21-2, 10 KOs) is unbeaten in 11 fights since a split decision loss to Rolando Chinea in July 2016. He returned to the ring in December 2017 with renewed purpose and decorated trainer Bobby Benton in his corner. Since moving to Houston to train with Benton, Foster has fulfilled the promise he displayed during a 100-plus fight amateur career that included a 2010 National PAL title and an alternate berth on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. He won the WBC world title in February with a one-sided decision over Mexican standout Rey Vargas. Eight months later, he salvaged his title with a 12th-round knockout over Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez. Hernandez had a sizable lead on two of the judges’ cards at the time of the stoppage. In November, Foster inked a long-term promotional pact with Top Rank.
 
Foster said, “It’s always been my dream to fight at Madison Square Garden, and what better promoter to make this all happen than Top Rank? As a kid, watching all the greats fight at MSG inspired me to want to be a part of the history that comes with fighting at such a legendary place. I’m ready to put on a show and keep proving that I’m the best fighter in the world.”
 
Nova (23-1, 16 KOs), born in Puerto Rico and raised in Albany, New York, had nearly 200 fights during a storied amateur career that included victories over Frank Martin, Richardson Hitchins, and Nahir Albright. Nova signed a co-promotional pact with Top Rank in early 2020 after spending his early career notching victories in Belgium, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay, and on club shows in the Northeast United States. In June 2022, he suffered his lone career setback, a one-punch knockout at the hands of champion Cuban standout and current world champion Robeisy Ramirez. Following the Ramirez defeat, Nova returned to junior lightweight and picked up wins over veteran Adam Lopez and former world champion Jonathan Romero.
 
“My team and I have earned this opportunity to bring a world title back home,” Nova said. “You know what I bring, and you know what I’m about. No fear, no doubt.” 

LAS VEGAS, NV (November 17, 2023) – Undefeated super featherweight, Andres “Savage” Cortes (20-0, 11 KOs), based in Las Vegas and promoted by Top Rank Inc., has boldly thrown down the gauntlet, expressing his desire to face Mexico’s WBO world champion Emanuel Navarrete (38-1-1, 31 KOs), and WBC champ O’Shaquie Foster (21-2, 12 KOs). Cortes’ call for a high-stakes showdown comes in the wake of Navarrete’s recent draw against Robson Conceicao (17-2-1, 8 KOs) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas last night.

“I believe I could have stopped Conceicao if I were given the chance,” said Cortes. “Navarrete is not invincible. He showed last night that he can be beaten. My style, power, and hunger make me a significant threat in this division. I’m ready for any challenge and with my recent victories, I’ve earned the right to face him.”

The determined young fighter is convinced that he is the most avoided fighter in the super featherweight division. He vows to continue working his way up the rankings to garner a world title opportunity. Cortes believes a fight with O’Shaquie Foster can be made easily being that he just signed with his promoter Top Rank.

“My record speaks for itself. I’ve consistently proven myself in the ring, yet I’m continuously avoided by other fighters in the division,” Cortes stated. “Navarrete is the champion, and I respect that, but I’m here to prove that I am the best and to claim what’s rightfully mine. Foster just signed with Top Rank so that fight can be made with ease. I want both of these champions. I’ve earned it.”

Cortes has positioned himself as a force in the super featherweight ranks. His call-out of Navarrete and Foster aims to assert his dominance and position himself for a title shot against the world champions.

“One thing I know I can guarantee is a lot of action when I step in the ring,” concluded Cortes. “What we saw in the main event last night was unacceptable for boxing fans. Whenever I fight, you can count on me throwing a lot of punches and going for the knockout. No boring ass fights in me.”

(Nov. 15, 2023) — O’Shaquie Foster, the reigning WBC junior lightweight world champion, has signed a multi-fight promotional contract with Top Rank.

A native of Orange, Texas, who trains out of Houston, Foster will make his Top Rank on ESPN debut in early 2024.

“O’Shaquie Foster is a supremely talented champion in the prime of his career,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We are thrilled to welcome him to Top Rank, and I eagerly await his next world title defense.”

Foster said, “I’m excited to be part of the Top Rank and ESPN family. Top Rank has shaped the careers of many of the greatest fighters whom I look up to even to this day, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight on ESPN. I can’t wait to step into the ring and show that I am the best fighter in the world.”

“O’Shaquie Foster has firmly established himself as a reigning world champion and a formidable force in the ring. Joining forces with Top Rank and ESPN will provide ‘Shock’ the platform needed to showcase his exceptional skill set and evolve into the star he is destined to become,” said Keith Mills, Foster’s manager. “This collaboration with Top Rank marks a crucial moment in Foster’s career, as he persists in shaping his legacy within the sport, captivating audiences, and solidifying his status as one of the very best talents in professional boxing.”

Foster (21-2, 12 KOs) went 8-0 in his first three years in the paid ranks before losing a pair of close decisions in a four-fight span. After nearly 18 months out of the ring, Foster returned a changed fighter and resurrected his career with the help of Mills and head trainer Bobby Benton. Foster has reeled off 11 straight wins, a run that gained momentum following his nationally televised 2018 victory over the previously unbeaten Jon Fernandez.

In February, Foster fought Rey Vargas for the vacant WBC world title and entered the fight as the betting underdog. Foster dominated the championship rounds and won a unanimous decision. Title defense number one came last month in Cancun, Mexico, and Foster had to turn back the fierce challenge of Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez. The 11th round was a Round of the Year-type stanza that saw Foster stagger Hernandez on multiple occasions. Trailing on two of the three judges’ cards entering the 12th, Foster dropped Hernandez twice to secure the stoppage with 22 seconds remaining.

Eddie Hearn
 
This is a classic fight for the most historic of the belts, the WBC, and one steeped in the history of Mexican boxing. You have the American slickster, the champion O’Shaquie Foster against Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez, one of the most brutal and hard-hitting Super-Featherweights I’ve ever seen. It’s a fantastic 50-50 match-up and it’s supported by some great action on the undercard. 
 
O’Shaquie Foster – defends WBC World Super-Featherweight title against Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez
 
I’m feel right at home. I’ve been embraced by the fans, there’s been much love, and I am used to being in this position so it’s easy and cool for me.
 
I don’t know what they are looking at, but if you look at my fights, I have presented a different challenge to anybody in front of me. I might fight you southpaw the whole fight, I might fight you orthodox the whole fight. But from round one to 12, I can put you down on the canvas, I’ve shown that in several fights. All the talking is done. They say they have been calling for this fight, it kind of sounds crazy because we could have fought in the summertime, he fought Hector Garcia because he wanted a tune-up fight instead of coming for the World title. I hadn’t fought for a year when I went into the World title fight with Vargas, no excuses. They have nothing but excuses and those that know the background know that they have been running from me. 
 
I plan on trying to unify and try to become undisputed. We aren’t looking past Rocky but I feel like this is the beginning to the world seeing what I have to give, and you’ll start to see it on Saturday.
 
Rocky Hernandez – challenges O’Shaquie Foster for the WBC World Super-Featherweight title
 
On Saturday you are going to see a new World champion, and that’s me. I don’t know why he is saying I was scared to fight him; I’m not scared of anyone, and it is his fault that the fight went to purse bids. I’m bringing the war on Saturday, and I hope he is ready for it because I am taking that title home and will show exactly who Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez is.
 
They are right in one thing, that this fight does not go the distance, but it will be from an Eduardo Hernandez KO. I am going to show why I deserve to be here on Saturday night.
 
I’ve wanted this from the very first day I took up boxing. I’ve not cared about who I faced, I have complete hunger and ambition to get my hand raised on Saturday and what better way to do it than have my family alongside me to see me take that belt home.
 
Eduardo Nunez – takes on Oscar Escandon over ten rounds at Super-Featherweight
 
It’s great to be here once again on a big Matchroom show. We’ll be going out there looking for the knockout, but we are prepared for whatever rounds may come. It’s also great to have this opportunity to come to Cancun and fight, and in terms of opponents being afraid to fight me, we have complete faith that we will get the opportunities and get a World title fight in 2024.
 
It would be lovely for Rocky to get his hand raised and win the World title, and I would love in the future to fight for the WBC belt, hopefully I can face the winner in the future, and I have faith that I will.
 
Oscar Escandon – takes on Eduardo Nunez over ten rounds at Super-Featherweight
 
Thank you for the opportunity, I know Nunez is a great fighter, strong, very good, but I have my own abilities and capacities, and I have fought for World titles. I’m very well prepared and ready to take this victory home with me.
 
Justis Huni – takes on Andrew Tabiti for the WBA International Heavyweight title
 
It’s massive for my career going forward and I’m excited to be a part of this card. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be fighting in front of new eyes and I am ready to go on Saturday night. 
 
I’m here to prove why I belong at the top with the other name, and this is my time to shine, and what better platform to do it on as the co-main event of a World title fight, and you better believe I’m going to bring my best.
 
We have both got good boxing IQ’s and I think it’s going to be a chess match at the start. But I believe I have the goods to go all the way and get the win.

O’Shaquie Foster is ready to shine as he makes the first defense of his WBC World Super-Featherweight title against Rocky Hernandez on Saturday night in Cancun, Mexico, live worldwide on DAZN – and the champion believes he will display his full arsenal on the night as he sent a chilling KO message to IBF ruler Joe Cordina.
 
Foster (20-2 11 KOs) landed the vacant title by widely outpointing another Mexican, Rey Vargas, in San Antonio in February, and in facing mandatory challenger Hernandez (34-1 31 KOs) on Saturday night, ‘Ice Water’ will fight twice in a calendar year for the first time since 2019.
 
The 30 year old champion respects the task in front of him in the form of travelling to the backyard of the Mexican KO machine, but Foster says that those tasks are the ones that will get the best of him as he plans to breakout in style and move closer to the unification bout he craves with Cordina, who defends his title next weekend in Monaco against Edward Vazquez, live on DAZN. 
 
“The fight excites me because I’m getting back in the ring, I’m finally fighting twice in one year and we’re going to his home patch,” said Foster. “I think people have only seen 50 per cent of me, there’s still a whole other side of my game that they haven’t seen yet, but that’s what I plan on putting out there.
 
“I’m the best in the division. I’m the most versatile because I can give you a boxing lesson, I can walk you down, you have to pay attention to me because I’ll show you. It’s my first title defense, I feel like it’s going to be a fight that I can show a lot of my versatility and my style, I’ve never fought on DAZN too, so I am excited by that.
 
“My mentality separates me from the rest. I can go anywhere to fight, it doesn’t matter. I feel I have been through so much that a fight is nothing, I just have to get in there in shape and everything will work itself out. You can take me out of my own territory, but I still handle my business, so what’s it going to be like when I am comfortable? 
 
“Joe Cordina is the fight I wanted now but I have to take care of the mandatory. I would love that fight in the future, next, but I am not looking past Rocky. I am looking to see Joe though, I know I would dominate him, I’d stop him in the later rounds. 
 
“Winning the title was the biggest moment of my life because of all the ups and downs. Six years ago, I probably wouldn’t have known where I was going. I was 10-2, in and out of jail, stuff like that, so to see the turnaround from that and now be a World champion, it’s amazing to me but it keeps me focused to know what I could go back to if I don’t keep it going.
 
“I know a lot is against me and it’s not going to be easy, but I knew that when I won the title, so I am just ready to prove myself. Rocky is an aggressive fighter; he comes forward and likes to mix it up and use his power. We tried to fight him a couple of years ago, so I am excited as he’s been on our radar and we’ve been paying attention to him, so there’s nothing out of the blue. We’re ready.
 
“You have to go off the opponents Rocky has fought to get the KOs. Like I said, we tried to fight, it could have even happened a couple of months ago. So, I don’t know, they say he’s a KO artist, but they are going to have to show me. I have power too. If you stack up our opponents and the quality, taking nothing away from him because I’m training like hell for him, but I would have washed his opponents in the first round. But I know he’s good, I’ve been training hard for months and I’m just ready for this.
 
“I love the Mexican fans, it’s a real fighting country. I’ve already taken Rey Vargas’ fans so I’m coming for his fans, it’s all love, but they’ll be my fans after I win. We aren’t going home without the belt, we’re coming in strong, smart; ice water, he’s going to shock the world again. It could be a late stoppage or he might get clipped out early if he runs into the wrong thing.”
 
Foster and Hernandez clash on a big night of action in Cancun, as Australian Heavyweight Justis Huni (7-0 4 KOs) fights for the first time under the Matchroom banner against Andrew Tabiti (20-1 16 KOs) for the WBA International title, Super-Featherweight KO machine Eduardo Nunez (24-1 24 KOs) will be looking to continue his 100 per cent KO record against Oscar Escandon (27-6 18 KOs) and the show kicks off with unbeaten Middleweight Javid Beltran (10-0 4 KOs) takes on Jose Rosas Meza (4-2 3 KOs) over eight rounds.

O’Shaquie Foster will defend his WBC World Super-Featherweight title against Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez at the Benito Juárez Sports Center in Cancun, Mexico on Saturday October 28, live worldwide on DAZN, in association with Pepe Gomez and Cancun Boxing.
 
Foster (20-2 11 KOs) landed the vacant belt in San Antonio, Texas in February, becoming the first fighter to defeat Mexican Rey Vargas on points to become World champion at the first attempt. The Houston native meets Mexican opposition again in his maiden defense on hostile ground, with the well-traveled champion fighting in a fourth country in his last seven fights. 
 
Hernandez (34-1 31 KOs) lands his mandatory shot at Foster on home turf and the big punching challenger will relish having his first World title fight in Mexico. ‘Rocky’ has been on a ferocious run of KO wins, recording his sixth straight win inside six rounds with a third round bludgeoning of Hector Garcia in Monterrey in July.
 
“It’s that time again!” said Foster. “King Shock is back in action. I’m excited for the opportunity to be back in the ring and defend my title. 
 
“We’re once again going into uncharted territory, so I’m eager to prove once again that I’m the best in the world and that I’m here to stay! Come October 28, I will dominate!”
 
“I’ve dreamed about this moment my whole life,” said Hernandez. “O’Shaquie is the best 130lbs champion. I beat him, and I show the world that I’m the best in the division.”
 
“This is going to be an explosive clash in Cancun,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “O’Shaquie will be full of confidence heading into his first defense after beating a great fighter like Vargas to win the title, but Rocky is a ferocious puncher that has been destroying everyone put in front of him and won’t take a backwards step in trying to achieve his dream. This is a fight not to miss and I expect yet another great Matchroom fight night in Mexico on October 28.”
 
The first undercard action announced on the card sees Australian Heavyweight Justis Huni make his long-awaited Matchroom debut against Andrew Tabiti. The pair were slated to meet in New Orleans in June, but an ankle injury in sparring for the Aussie amateur standout just weeks before the bout robbed forced the bout to be postponed.
 
Huni (7-0 4 KOs) will be champing at the bit to get back in the ring and kick-off his new dawn with Matchroom after penning a two-year deal with Hearn in February, and the 24 year old fights in the States for the first time in his career against former Cruiserweight World title challenger Tabiti (20-1 16 KOs) in his second fight at Heavyweight following a successful first bout against James Wilson in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia in August 2022.
 
Information on ticket on sale dates and further undercard action will be released soon.

O’Shaquie Foster won the WBC Super Featherweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Rey Vargas at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

In round three, Vargas was bleeding over his left eye from a punch.

Foster, 129.4 lbs of Orange, TX won by scores of 119-109, 117-111 and 116-112 and is now 20-2. Vargas, 129.2 lbs of Mexico City is 36-1.

Mario Barrios stopped Jovanie Santiago in round eight of a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

In round eight, Barrios put Santiago on the canvas with a left hook to the body. Barrios continued to land heavy shots until the bout was stopped at 1:42.

Barrios, 146.8 lbs of San Antonio is 27-2 with 18 knockouts. Santiago, 145.8 lbs of Bayamon, PR is 14-3-1.

Lemier Pero stopped Viktor Faust in round eight of their 10-round heavyweight bout.

In round eight, Pero landed a body shot that had Faust turned his back in resignation. Pero landed four shots and the fight was stopped at 2:28.

Pero, 242.8 lbs of Miami is 9-0 with six knockouts. Faust, 234 lbs of Las Vegas is 11-1.

Claudio Marrero scored a fifth round stoppage over Gonzalo Fuenzalida in a lightweight fight.

Marrero, 135 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 27-5 with 19 knockouts. Fuenzalida, 134.4 lbs of Las Vegas is 12-2.

Dainier Pero won a four-round unanimous decision over Daniel Zavala in a heavyweight bout.

Pero, 244.2 lbs of Miami won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 3-0. Zavala, 257.4 lbs of Del Rio, TX is 2-2-2.

David Whitmire stopped Keith Foreman in the opening round of a four-round super welterweight bout of debutants.

In round one, Whitmire dropped Foreman with a left hook. Another left hook dropped Foreman and the fight was stopped at 2:10

Whitmire, 148.8 lbs of Washington, DC is 1-0 with one knockout. Foreman, 149 lbs of Harlington, TX is 0-1.

WBC Super Featherweight World Championship (vacant) – 12-Rounds

Rey Vargas – 129.4 lbs.

O’Shaquie Foster – 129.4 lbs.

Referee: Jon Schorle; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Alejandro Rochin (Mexico), David Sutherland (Okla.).

Welterweight Bout – 10-Rounds

Mario Barrios – 146.8 lbs.

Jovanie Santiago – 145.8 lbs.

Referee: Mark Calo-Oy; Judges: Ellis Johnson (Texas), Ursulo Perez (Texas), David Sutherland (Okla.).

Heavyweight Bout – 10-Rounds

Lenier Peró – 242.8 lbs.

Viktor Faust – 234 lbs.

Referee: Rafael Ramos; Judges: Ruben Carrion (Texas), Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Alejandro Rochin (Mexico).

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Lightweight Bout – Eight-Rounds

Claudio Marrero – 135 lbs.

Gonzalo Fuenzalida – 134.4 lbs.

Referee: Jon Schorle; Judges: Ruben Carrion (Texas), Ellis Johnson (Texas), Ursulo Perez (Texas).

Middleweight Bout – Eight-Rounds

Eumir Marcial – 161.4 lbs.

Ricardo Villalba – 162 lbs.

Referee: Mark Calo-Oy; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Matthew Reyna (Texas), David Sutherland (Okla.).

Contracted weight: 163 lbs.

Heavyweight Bout – Four-Rounds

Dainier Peró – 244.2 lbs.

Daniel Zavala – 237.4 lbs.

Referee: Rafael Ramos; Judges: Ruben Carrion (Texas)), Ellis Johnson (Texas), Ursulo Perez (Texas).

Super Welterweight Bout – Four-Rounds

David Whitmire – 148.8 lbs.

Keith Foreman – 149 lbs.

Referee: Mark Calo-Oy; Judges: Ursulo Perez (Texas), Matthew Reyna (Texas), Alejandro Rochin (Mexico).

Veteran sportscaster and THE LAST STAND podcaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will call the blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former three-division world champion Abner Mares. SHOBOX: The New Generation^® analyst Brian Campbell will serve as in-ring reporter. Two Hall of Famers round out the most decorated team in boxing, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr., and boxing historian Steve Farhood,servingas unofficial scorer. Former junior middleweight world champion and SHOBOX^® analyst Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez will call the fights in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) with accomplished sportscaster Alejandro Luna. Four-time Emmy^® Award winner David Dinkins, Jr., will serve as executive producer with Ray Smaltz III producing and Chuck McKean directing.

Award-winning MORNING KOMBAT digital talk-show co-host Luke Thomas will call the SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN livestreaming show.

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ABOUT VARGAS VS. FOSTER

Vargas vs. Foster will see undefeated two-division world champion Rey Vargas battle top 130-pound contender O’Shaquie Foster for the vacant WBC Super Featherweight World Championship in a showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, February 11 from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas topping a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features former champion and all-action San Antonio-native Mario “El Azteca” Barrios returning to the ring in a 10-round welterweight duel against Jovanie Santiago that serves as the co-main event. Kicking off the action, hard-hitting unbeaten heavyweights go toe-to-toe as Cuba’s Lenier Peró takes on Ukraine’s Viktor Faust in a 10-round attraction.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #VargasFoster, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.