O’Shaquie Foster won back his WBC junior lightweight title with a split decision over Robson Conceicao (115-113, 113-115, 115-113) in their rematch Saturday at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, New York.
It was a taste of revenge for Foster, who controversially lost his title to Conceicao with a split decision in July. The majority of observers believed the American got the better of the action in that fight, but the judges awarded Conceicao the win, and the WBC made the rare move of ordering an immediate rematch.
Saturday’s rematch was closer — and better — than the first bout. Conceicao (19-3-1, 9 KOs) built up a strong early lead by staying busier than Foster (23-3, 12 KOs), however Foster bit down on his gum shield and produced a strong second half to edge a close split decision. There were long spells in the contest where Conceicao outworked Foster, but Foster’s breakthrough came in the 10th round when he rocked Conceicao with a right hand. Foster came on strong afterward and sealed the victory over the final three rounds.
The new WBC champion stated post-fight interview that, despite winning, his performance tonight wasn’t the best version of him, and there is still yet more to come.
Lightweight contender Raymond Muratalla impressed in the co-feature, scoring two knockdowns of Jesus Antonio Perez and forcing the referee to jump in and stop their bout in round two. The Robert Garcia-trained 27-year-old became the first person to stop Perez.
Muratalla is ranked in the top five with three governing bodies and will now look for a shot at a world title. One option mentioned on the broadcast was the possibility of Vasyl Lomachenko vacating his championship and retiring, which would allow Muratalla to fight Zaur Abdullaev for the vacant IBF crown — should Keyshawn Davis go the WBO route.
Catch full Foster vs. Conceicao 2 results below on Uncrowned, as well as a main card live blog.
Main Card
O’Shaquie Foster def. Robson Conceicao via split decision (115-113, 113-115, 115-113) to win WBC junior lightweight title
Raymond Muratalla def. Jesus Perez via second-round TKO — lightweight | Watch KO
Bryce Mills def. Mike Ohan Jr. via fifth-round TKO — junior welterweight | Watch KO
Abraham Nova vs. Humberto Galindo ends in split draw (97-93 Galindo, 96-94 Nova, 95-95) — junior lightweight
Undercard
Jahi Tucker def. Quilisto Madera via eighth-round TKO — middleweight | Watch KO
Ali Feliz def. Rashad Coulter via second-round TKO — heavyweight | Watch KO
Yan Santana def. Eduardo Baez via fourth-round TKO — featherweight | Watch KO
Damian Knyba def. Richard Lartey via third-round TKO — heavyweight | Watch KO
LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER39 updates
