O’Shaquie Foster Braces for Firefight Against Robson Conceicao in Junior Lightweight Title Defense

The Reigning Champion Seeks a Decisive Victory

O’Shaquie Foster, the reigning WBC junior lightweight champion, has been making a habit of late-fight heroics to preserve his title reign. Entering his Saturday night showdown against Robson Conceicao (18-2-1, 9 KOs) at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, the 30-year-old Houston native is determined to deliver a more definitive performance.

“He’s the perfect opponent,” Foster (22-2, 12 KOs) told BoxingScene. “It’s a chance to show the world and to separate myself from those guys. I plan on going in there and dominating. I plan on not letting it get close in this fight.”

Foster’s past two title defenses have been shrouded in controversy, with the judges coming dangerously close to spoiling his reign. After unseating former champion Rey Vargas in February 2023, Foster had to score a 12th-round knockout of Eduardo Hernandez in October to avoid a split decision defeat. In February 2024, he needed a 12th-round knockdown against Abraham Nova to secure a split decision victory.

“I don’t fault the judges,” Foster said. “That’s just on me to control it the next time out.”

The Olympic Champion Challenger

Conceicao, a 2016 Brazilian Olympic gold medalist, will look to capitalize on Foster’s recent close calls. The challenger fought to a majority draw with Emanuel Navarrete in November, despite being dropped twice, and then secured a seventh-round stoppage of Jose Ivan Guardado Ortiz in April.

“He’s fought Oscar Valdez, Shakur Stevenson, and Navarrete the same – all of his fights are the same,” Foster said. “I expect a high-rate awkward guy in front of me who has grit. He has heart, so he’s going to keep coming. I’m expecting for him to come at his best. His confidence must be real high coming off the draw with Navarrete.”

Foster’s Confidence and Future Plans

Foster, who is riding a 10-fight winning streak and nearing the second date of a multi-fight promotional contract with Top Rank, is brimming with confidence of his own. He credits his career turnaround to unwavering belief and self-assurance, even when he was 10-2 as a professional.

“I’m not getting complacent in anything. Just staying grounded and humbled,” Foster said. “I’m looking at myself as a champion, but until the world calls me a pound-for-pound fighter, then I’ll feel a lot better. But for now, I have a lot to work on and accomplish.”

Should Foster emerge victorious against Conceicao, he has his sights set on the winner of the yet-to-be-finalized rematch between Navarrete and the WBO interim junior lightweight titlist Oscar Valdez.

“I’m going to try to go for undisputed at 130-pound before I move up to 135 pounds,” Foster said. “I’m definitely going to go see those names. That’s what it’s looking like, but I have to first handle business on July 6.”

Foster-Conceicao will serve as the co-main event, with the main event featuring Shakur Stevenson against Artem Harutyunyan.

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