In a tougher-than-expected encounter, O'Shaquie Foster retained his WBC super featherweight title for the second time by posting a 12-round split decision over Abraham Nova at the Madison Square Garden Theater. One judge scored 114-113 in favor of Nova but was overruled by tallies of 116-111 and 115-112 for the champion.
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Foster (22-2, 12 KOs) earned himself a 10-8 round in the 12th when he dropped the challenger with a left hook. Nova protested bitterly that he'd slipped but it was the correct call by the referee. Despite closing well, the Houston-based champion was disappointed with his showing.
"I don't want to make excuses, but when I threw a right hand, his elbow hit my bicep and tightened my stuff up, but it's all good," said Foster during his post-fight interview. "Credit to Nova, he made it a good fight. It wasn't my best performance but we got it done."
The fight was closely contested early and Nova, a substantial underdog, boxed very well. Both men produced high-class action by drawing leads and countering well on the outside.
While the champion may have had a slight edge, he wasn't getting things all his way. Foster was shaken up in the fourth after switching to the southpaw stance and a wry smile let Nova know that he'd had success.
In the sixth, Nova was stunned by a counter right, which became the trademark punch for Foster. It landed flush again in the ninth and entering the championship rounds it looked like the Puerto Rican-born challenger would need a big drive to win the title.
Dutifully, Nova gave it everything, particularly in round 11, which turned out to be the best of the fight. Both men had success during some memorable and fierce exchanges.
While the decision was justified, the challenger was very unlucky to be put over in the final round.
"O'Shaquie is a great fighter," said Nova. "He did hit me, but I did slip. I lost my balance. I wasn't hurt. I know they probably think I wasn't that good. But you guys see I'm a great fighter.
"Hopefully you guys can see me here again. I'm a world-class contender. O'Shaquie, we can run it back. Let's do it again. If not, I can fight [Emanuel] Navarrete or anybody."
Nova drops to 23-2 (16 KOs).
O'Shaquie Foster vs. Abraham Nova fight card
- O'Shaquie Foster def. Abraham Nova via SD 12 (116-111, 115-112, 113-114) for the WBC super featherweight title
- Andres Cortes def. Bryan Chevalier via TKO 4 (2:17); Super Featherweight
- Bruce Carrington def. Bernard Angelo Torres via KO 4 (2:59); Featherweights
- Delante Johnson def. Paulo Cesar Galdino via TKO 1 (2:41); Super Lightweights
- Euri Cedeno def. Antonio Todd via TKO 5 (2:39); Middleweights
- Guido Vianello def. Moses Johnson via TKO 1 (2:51); Heavyweights
- Arnold Gonzalez def. Charles Stanford (59-55, 59-55, 58-56); Super Welterweights
- Ofacio Falcon def. Edward Ceballos via UD 6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54); Super Featherweights
- Isaah Flaherty def. Julien Baptiste via UD 6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54); Middleweights