Alamodome, San Antonio, USA. In the main event of the evening, the vacant WBC world title in the second featherweight (up to 59 kg) was played out: the Mexican Ray Vargas (36-1, 22 KOs) failed to conquer the third division, lost to the American O’Shaky Foster (20-2 , 11 KOs).
It turns out that even at this weight, Vargas had an advantage over his opponent in anthropometry. But Foster worked very solidly on his feet, trying to get ahead of his opponent. In the 2nd round, he shook the Mexican, and he fell. For some reason, the referee did not record the knockdown (in the replay, it looks like the opponent stepped on his foot, so everything is OK).
In the 3rd three-minute period, Foster inflicted a cut on the opponent near the left eye. Vargas is too passive, he is still inferior and constantly retreats, for some reason he tries to defend himself with shoulder rolls (especially a lot of them fly to the target from there). Maybe I should not have removed Ignacio Beristain from the team?
Foster’s confidence rising @OshaquieFoster has been grinding through 5 rounds
Catch the remainder of #VargasFoster LIVE on @Showtime pic.twitter.com/4DuljmSKFY
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) February 12, 2023
From the American in the corner they demand even more tricks. He relaxed slightly, although it was still early. Vargas risks a little more in return. He understands that the fight is not in his favor. The advantage of the American in the number of shots thrown has disappeared. They demand more jab from the Mexican.
WE’RE ENTERING THE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS
Tune in live to #VargasFoster NOW on @Showtime pic.twitter.com/67ojRg1ZTR
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) February 12, 2023
Foster worked harder in the 10th round. He continued to push the opponent, confidently brought the fight to victory. It is unlikely that the Mexican will be given more than 3 rounds.
The score of the judges: 116-112, 117-111 and 119-109 in favor of the American. By the way, he was an underdog.
Foster UD 12.