The spark is there for Conceição Vs Foster Rematch

Robson Conceição will defend his WBC super featherweight title against O’Shaquie Foster in a highly anticipated rematch this Saturday, November 2 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

Conceição dethroned Foster by split decision in a keenly contested matchup in July. Now both are ready to roll the dice.

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 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 the world title glory on his fourth try.

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, away from home, with a thrilling 12th-round stoppage of Rocky Hernandez last October 2023. Foster made the second defense of his belt by decisioning Abraham Nova in February.

This Thursday at a press conference, both fighters commented on some aspects of the fight they will hold:

“This fight is personal for me because I feel that a champion is someone who goes out and doesn’t run, doesn’t throw one or two punches and then just leaves,” Conceicao said.

Foster responded: “I hope they know that the name of the game is to hit and not get hit.”

Meanwhile, the 36-year-old champion promised to be better in the rematch, speaking of a training camp plagued by injuries and poor health the first time around.

“I had a very good training camp this time, but for the first fight, I was in a lot of pain, I was sick, but this time I’ve been healthy, I’ve been clean. I’m going to win in a better way next time.”

Foster also indicated that he will improve in this second fight: “I’m glad he had the best training, so are we. Everyone comes in with injuries and illnesses, so I don’t want to hear that excuse.”

Conceicao entered the record books as a world champion on his fourth try, after losses to Oscar Valdez, Shakur Stevenson and a draw with Emanuel Navarrete. On perseverance he said:

“I was very happy to become a world champion on my fourth try, like I won an Olympic gold medal in 2016 on my third try. By doing those things, I kept the promises I made to my daughters. After this fight, Brazil will still have a world champion.”