WBC super-featherweight world champion O’Shaquie Foster is set to defend his title for a second time as he will face Abraham Nova (23-1, 16 KOs) on Friday, February 16th in New York at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden live on ESPN.
This will be Foster’s first bout under his new promotional banner as he recently signed with Top Rank three months ago. Now Foster has the opportunity to enhance his brand since he currently has a promoter that’s connected to a major network.
A native of Orange, Texas, O’Shaquie Foster suffered a tragic loss early in life as his mother died of cancer when he was just 12-years-old. Seven years later in September 2012, Foster made his pro boxing debut by scoring a first round TKO victory over Theo Johnson.
Foster started his boxing career with eight straight victories. His career path came across a bumpy road as he lost 2 out of his next 4 fights. At the time, Foster didn’t have a solid workout routine, he was spending too much time in the streets, and as a result, he was arrested in March of 2017.
After spending several months in the Orange County Jail, Foster was released, and then he proceeded to relocate to Houston. He started training with Bobby Benton and then he went on to win his next nine fights.
O’Shaquie Foster received a golden opportunity back in February 2023 as he was set to battle Rey Vargas for the vacant WBC super-featherweight world title. Foster came into the bout as the underdog due to the fact that his opponent had an impressive record of 36-0.
Foster outboxed Vargas and won the bout by way of unanimous decision. Eight months later O’Shaquie Foster traveled to Cancun, Mexico to defend his title against Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez.
Going into the 11th round, Foster was trailing on the scorecards. While in the southpaw stance, Foster was able to land multiple combinations. He was in complete control of the round as it seemed like he was seconds away from getting the stoppage.
With his back on the ropes and 1:18 left to go in the 11th round, Hernandez responded by landing a big right hand and then he went on to land a flurry of shots. The closing seconds of the 11th was filled with back and forth action.
After a round that most considered to be the round of the year, Foster landed a right hand that sent Hernandez down to the canvas with 1:46 remaining in the 12th. Hernandez was able to get up, but seconds later he went down for a second time.
Once again Hernandez was able to get up, but when the match continued, he was hit with a flurry of shots that caused the referee to step in and put a halt to the contest. With the stoppage, Foster posted a come from behind victory and he collected a world title belt.
Now O’Shaquie Foster (21-2, 12 KOs) is ready to make his Top Rank debut in New York City. The champion will have his hands full as he faces an opponent who is determined to fulfill his lifelong dream of winning a world title.
Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, but raised in Albany, New York, Abraham Nova started his pro boxing career by reeling off 21-straight victories. He suffered his first defeat back in June 2022 when he was knocked out in the 5th round by Robeisy Ramirez.
Nova would bounce back with victories over Adam Lopez, and Jonatan Romero. Now Abraham Nova has earned his dream match, which is a chance to fight for a world title.
“Having this opportunity, I can’t let it slip past,” Nova said during the press conference. “I’ve been wanting a world title for God knows how long, and now I got this opportunity. I’m super excited, I’m super motivated.”
On Friday night February 16th, Top Rank presents a classic matchup that features the boxer O’Shaquie Foster versus the puncher, Abraham Nova. The champion feels confident, prepared, and ready to defend his WBC strap.
“I’m ready to go out there and put on a show,” Foster said. “I been familiar with his style and we did everything in the gym. We prepared so come Friday night, I will be going out there and dominating and putting on a show.”
