Boxing
‘Options playing games’ led to O’Shaquie Foster vs. Ray Ford
Foster vs. Ford on DAZN subscription - Saturday
In many ways, it all worked out for O’Shaquie Foster who believes defending his WBC super featherweight world title against Raymond Ford, live on DAZN, this weekend will bring him closer to a potential fight with Shakur Stevenson.
But let Foster tell it and Saturday night’s bout with Ford was forged from stalled negotiations and fallouts as his original line of order was to unify titles at 130 pounds.
“The options were playing games,” Foster said during a recent Zoom interview with DAZN News.
Foster & Ford Prepare for War in Texas
When Jazza Dickens had his December 27 fight with Hayato Tsutsumi cancelled due to the latter suffering an injury, Foster tried to line up a unification bout with the then-WBA super featherweight world champion. And he did it publicly on his X account, telling Dickens: “Let’s make it happen. And I’ll come to Europe.”
Foster (24-3, 12 KOs) was just weeks removed from unanimously outpointing Stephen Fulton in the biggest win of his career earlier that month.
Dickens seemed warm to the idea, replying “let’s talk,” only to eventually clash with Anthony Cacace and lose the title to the Irish fighter in March.
So, Foster switched gears to Emanuel Navarrete who owns the WBO and IBF titles in the division. However, that didn’t pan out either as the WBO ordered a mandatory rematch between Navarrete and Charly Suarez after their May 2025 fight ended in a no contest.
“It just wasn’t working,” Foster said, “so I went to the next best option.”
That cemented his fight with Ford (18-1-1, 8 KOs), who is 3-0 at super featherweight since moving up to the division after losing the WBA featherweight title to Nick Ball in a split decision back in June 2024.
It didn’t take long for tensions to flare as their first fight week faceoff in Houston ended with Ford vowing “I’m gonna break you the f— up” and Foster responding by shoving the challenger Tuesday .
Foster says he has been getting back to strength and conditioning work, promising that he’s feeling “super sharp, super strong” and that he will be “way more physical” with Ford than he was during his breakthrough performance against Fulton in December.
A convincing title defense Saturday night in Houston and Foster just might unlock a showdown with Ford's stablemate, Stevenson.
Analysis: A pivotal fight for Foster and Ford
DAZN News' Mark Lelinwalla
O'Shaquie Foster vs. Ray Ford is a fantastic fight as each boxer touts a high level of sweet science skills.
Many critics believed Stephen Fulton would outpoint Foster only for the latter to pitch a virtual shutout and get it done with his own brand of boxing brilliance.
Ford, a former featherweight world champion, believes his own proficiency will be more than enough to spoil Foster's homecoming, dismissing any thoughts of the latter going on to possibly face Shakur Stevenson.
Foster is installed as the slight favorite and another dominant might have him knocking on the door of his biggest fight yet. This is a pivotal battle for both men and neither fighter can afford to take a backstep.
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