Conceicao Shocks Foster in Controversial 130-Pound Title Fight
On Saturday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Robson Conceicao clinched a 130-pound title, defeating defending champion O’Shaquie Foster in a highly controversial decision. Despite being outmatched and outlanded throughout the bout, Conceicao (19-2-1, 9 KOs) emerged victorious, much to the dismay of the boxing community.
The fight unfolded with Conceicao advancing behind his jab, trying to set up an overhand right, while the elusive Foster (22-3, 12 KOs) implemented his defensive prowess, landing short counters. Conceicao’s output increased in the fourth and fifth rounds, but Foster’s effective blocking and slipping neutralized the challenger’s attacks. The champion’s composed countering and masterful ring control had him firmly in command, leaving the crowd and commentators baffled by the judges’ scorecards.
“I thought it was a shutout. I thought it was easy. I didn’t get touched, except by a head-butt. I’ll be back. I want the rematch. They stole this fight from me.” – O’Shaquie Foster
Veteran judges Ronald McNair, Anthony Lundy, and Paul Wallace delivered the perplexing verdict, with McNair’s 116-112 score for Foster being the closest to the general perception of the fight. Lundy and Wallace, however, shockingly awarded the victory to Conceicao by scores of 116-112 and 115-113, respectively, leaving the new champion himself seemingly surprised by the outcome.
As reported by BBC Boxing, a devastated Foster lamented the injustice, stating that he thought it was a shutout and easy victory. The young champion’s commanding performance, which saw him effortlessly control the ring and negate Conceicao’s offense, was not reflected in the final scorecards, sparking outrage among boxing fans and experts.
This controversial decision joins the ranks of the sport’s most puzzling rulings, leaving the boxing community questioning the integrity of the judging process and the ability of officials to accurately assess the action inside the ring.
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