On October 24, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, O’Shaquie Foster defeated Emanuel Navarrete to become the WBC, WBO, and IBF super featherweight world champion with the victory. The fight card was promoted by Top Rank, while fight fans could catch the action live on DAZN. One interested spectator at the fight was former three-weight world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko, who recently announced his return from retirement at 130 lbs, with him reportedly targeting a showdown with WBA champion Anthony Cacace, who is due to defend his title on December 19 in Belfast against Nick Ball. Lomachenko spoke to the media at ringside, giving his reaction to Foster’s win.

O’Shaquie Foster vs Emanuel Navarrete ends in domination

Going into October 24, many felt O’Shaquie Foster vs Emanuel Navarrete was one of the best fights left on the fight calendar this year. It ended up being an entertaining fight, with Foster (26-3, 12 KOs) bossing much of the bout. 

Navarrete (40-3-1, 33 KOs) tried to be the aggressor early on, but struggled to pin down Foster, who moved well and was the sharper puncher. His movement helped him avoid the unorthodox swinging shots coming back his way.

Navarrete had his moments, mainly with single shots, but Foster’s chin stood the test. Navarrete flew out of the traps in round 12, but ultimately walked into a right hook from Foster, who scored a knockdown with that punch. A mere 90 seconds later, Foster landed bigger shots, knocking the Mexican down once again and sealing his dominance in this fight. “Vaquero” heard the bell, and the scorecards were read 118-108 (x2) and 115-111.

Foster is now the WBC, WBO, and IBF super featherweight world champion with this career-best win, adding the WBO and IBF belts to his collection. It was his third defence of the WBC title since he regained it against Robson Conceicao in 2024. The 115-111 scorecard was overlooked as thankfully the right winner was announced; however, how a judge can have that fight 105-104 going into the last round is staggering! 

“It was a great performance. I finished strong, and I put him down twice in the end. A lot of people were saying that I didn’t have power and that I wouldn’t be able to keep him off me. But I showed that I am a complete fighter.”

“I want to become undisputed. That’s my dream. I want to make history, and all I need is one more,” said Foster after the fight.

Vasiliy Lomachenko reacts to O’Shaquie Foster vs Emanuel Navarrete

When asked at ringside for his view on Foster’s performance, Lomachenko said: “It’s a great performance. It was a very interesting fight, very skilful fight.”

Loma was then asked if he would like to face Foster; he said: “Yeah, why not.”

“Timing, combination, and boxing IQ,” added Loma when asked what stood out most from Foster.

The Big Fight Weekend verdict

Before the fight, I, like many, felt this would be a competitive fight, but I ultimately felt Navarrete would be too awkward for “Shock.” However, Foster was simply too sharp throughout. He kept his punches straight throughout, and his normal defensive strengths shone, even against the unorthodox style of his opponent.

He started fast, quickly got into a groove, and proved again he’s the best fighter at 130lbs. He will likely have to face Charley Suarez next, and if he can come through that, an undisputed showdown with the winner of Anthony Cacace vs Nick Ball has to be the fight to happen. The return of Lomachenko (18-3, 12 KOs) at 130 pounds only adds to this already strong super featherweight division. Big Fight Weekend wants to see Foster meet the winner of Cacace (25-1, 9 KOs) vs Ball (23-1-1, 13 KOs).

Featured Image Credit:

Top Rank