Foster won by unanimous decision with two knockdowns in the final round. He still needs the WBA belt to be undisputed, and Lomachenko has already spoken about facing him.
American O’Shaquie Foster defeated Mexico’s Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete by unanimous decision on Saturday, October 24, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, and unified three world super featherweight titles (130 pounds).
All three judges scored the fight for Foster: 118-108, 115-111 and 118-108, according to the event page of promoter Top Rank. Foster arrived with the World Boxing Council (WBC) belt and took the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) belts, which Navarrete held.
How the fight went
Foster knocked Navarrete down twice in the 12th and final round, according to coverage of the fight. Navarrete disputed the first count but got up and finished the bout.
With the result, Foster’s record stands at 26 wins, 3 losses and 12 knockouts. Navarrete, with 40 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw and 33 knockouts, lost the titles he had been defending.
The missing belt
To become the undisputed champion at 130 pounds, Foster needs the World Boxing Association (WBA) title, which according to specialized boxing media reports is held by Anthony Cacace. Cacace would defend it against Nick Ball on December 19 in Belfast, according to those reports. After the fight, Foster said he is one title away from making history; the date and opponent for his next defense have not been confirmed.
Lomachenko opens the door
Ukrainian Vasyl Lomachenko, a three-division former world champion with a record of 18 wins and 3 losses, was at the event. According to reports, he praised Foster’s performance and, when asked whether he would face him, said yes. Lomachenko has announced his return to 130 pounds.
It is also reported that his return would be in February against Charly Suarez and that, if he wins, Foster would be the likely opponent. Neither the promoter nor the boxers have confirmed a date, venue or contract for those fights.
Why it matters to Latinos
Navarrete is one of the Mexican champions with the strongest following among fans in the United States. His defeat leaves the division without a Mexican titleholder at super featherweight and raises the question of whether he will stay at 130 pounds or move up in weight. Navarrete has not publicly confirmed his next step.
What's next?
- Cacace and Ball reportedly would fight on December 19 for the WBA title.
- Lomachenko reportedly plans to return in February, with no official date.
- There is no official announcement of Foster’s next fight.
