After a much debated first fight, the second was just as close, but the right fighter was awarded the victory. O’Shaquie Foster (23-3, 12 KOs) earned a split decision over Robson Conceição (19-3-1, 9 KOs) to become a two-time WBC super featherweight champion. The judges saw this one 115-113 for Foster, 115-113 for Conceição, and 115-113 for Foster. It was a close fight, but Foster did enough to edge it out and become a two-time champion.
The opening round picked up where the first fight left off. Conceição was pressing forward and making things difficult for Foster. On the other hand, Foster led with his left jab but found himself stepping back more than he may have wanted to—a close first round to score. In the second round, Foster switched to the southpaw stance, making things difficult for Conceição. Foster stayed with the right jab and blocked most of Conceição’s shots; however, it was Conceição who was coming forward and bringing the fight to Foster.
In the third round, Foster switched back to conventional to give Conceição a different look. The round looked almost identical to the first two rounds, as both fighters had their moments. Although Conceição didn’t land as many punches in the fourth round, he still was the aggressor and forced Foster to move. This was causing Foster to use his feet more than throwing punches. Foster woke up in the fifth round, and it all started with the overhand right, which buzzed Conceição. Foster was the busier fighter and appeared to get in his rhythm. Conceição landed a few short right hands, but Foster fully controlled the round.
Although he didn’t have a great fifth round, Conceição regained control of the fight in the sixth with his pressure and short left hooks. Conceição held every time Foster got close, which forced Foster to not have an effective offense throughout the round. The seventh round was another close one, as it wasn’t clear who had the better round. If you enjoyed Conceição’s pressure, you gave it to him. If you preferred Foster’s precision punching, you would give him the round.
Foster had a strong eighth round as Conceição appeared to either take the round off or fatigue settled in. Foster was landing some clean combinations while Conceição did a lot of holding, which the referee gave him a warning for. The ninth round was no different, as both fighters didn’t do enough to win the round convincingly.
Beginning the championship rounds, Foster landed a huge right hand in the tenth that buckled Conceição and had him on his bicycle. Foster chased him around but could not capitalize on the moment of having Conceição hurt. Foster turned up the pressure in the 11th, but Conceição was holding a ton, making it hard for Foster to land any of his offense. Both fighters had their moments in the last round, but Foster closed the show better than Conceição.
Raymond Muratalla Earns A 2nd Round TKO; Wants A Title Shot Next
Raymond Muratalla (22-0, 17 KOs) said prior to the fight that his opponent Jesus Perez (25-6, 18 KOs) didn’t have the power to hurt him. Well, he wasn’t wrong, and Muratalla steamed rolled over Perez, scoring a 2nd-round TKO victory on ESPN+. With the win, Muratalla positions himself for a fight with Vasily Lomachenko or fighting for a vacant title should Loma decide to retire.
In the opening round, both fighters came out swinging as if they had no intent on going the distance. Muratalla was brilliant with his offense as he changed the levels of his punches. The left jab to the body by Muratalla set up an overhand right, which landed flush on Perez. Although Perez was taking some clean shots, he was landing some of his own, but not enough to get Muratalla’s respect.
In the second round, Muratalla landed a left up-jab, followed by a straight right hand, sending Perez down for the fight’s first knockdown. Perez would beat the ten-count, but Muratalla, after resetting, landed another straight right hand and sent Perez down again. Once Perez beat the count again, Muratalla rushed Perez and landed another right hand, which promoted the referee to stop the fight.
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