Orange, Texas native and WBC Super Featherweight world champion "Ice Water" O'shaquie Foster is the front-runner for Fighter of the Year. He is likely the leader in the clubhouse for a round of the year and fight of the year for his war with Eduardo Hernandez, as well as performance of the year for his dominant win and upset over Ray Vargas at the Alamodome. He now is a bit richer after inking a multi-year deal with Top Rank.
“I’m excited to be part of the Top Rank and ESPN family. Top Rank has shaped the careers of many of the greatest fighters whom I look up to even to this day, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight on ESPN. I can’t wait to step into the ring and show that I am the best fighter in the world.” Foster explained.
Top Rank has done a tremendous job in the past, matching their top fighters against each other. The climax of this contract would be a unification fight with fan favorite and reigning WBO 130-pound world title holder Emanuel Navarrete. Navarrete will have to survive a very tough challenge Thursday Night in Las Vegas against Gold Medalist Robson Conceicao from Brazil. Foster established himself as the best 130-pounder in the world with his two wins this year but has had trouble securing big fights and the big paydays that go along with them. His last fight with Hernendez was a Matchroom fight that aired on DAZN when Eddie Hearn won the purse bid. In addition, Navarrete Top Rank also promotes undefeated prospect Henry Lebron and former world champion Oscar Valdez. Either fight would represent a big fight for Foster, as would former champ Jamel Herring, who still has a working relationship with Top Rank but is promoted by Lou Dibella. Herring called out Foster after his win last week in NYC and seems like a makeable fight if both promoters are willing to work together.