O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster was on the wrong end of something that happens in boxing all too often—a controversial loss by decision.
Foster’s defense was a masterclass, earning him an A+ for his efforts. He managed to keep Robson Conceição (19-2-1, 9 KOs) at bay for the majority of the fight, a feat that frustrated his opponent.
Conceição punches routinely landed short. When they weren’t short, Foster was catching punches with his gloves and shoulders, and even though the crowd was booing at times, Foster (22-3, 12 KOs) outlined Conceição 109-76.
Somehow, someway Foster still lost the fight by split decision. Two judges gave Conceição the fight. One scored the fight 116-112, while the other gave it to Conceição 115-113.
MTC Media scored the fight 116-112 for Foster. ESPN’s Mark Kriegel scored it 119-109 for Foster.
“I don’t know, man. I thought it was easy. I thought it was an easy fight. I didn’t get touched except with a headbutt. I don’t know, man,” Foster said. “I’ll be back. But I want the rematch. They stole this from me. They stole this fight from me. I just wanted to show the world I could bang it out, and if I want to, I don’t have to get touched. I guess it wasn’t good enough for the judges.”
This wasn’t a case where Conceição needed to carry the fight because Foster was engaging. Foster was there in front enough for Conceição to land; it was Foster’s defense that prevented him from doing so.
Conceição didn’t make adjustments or start coming forward aggressively. He stayed with the same ineffective strategy throughout most of the fight.
That’s what makes the decision so puzzling.
There weren’t a bunch of rounds that could go either way. Most of the rounds looked like Groundhog Day. It was the same script—the same masterclass performance by Foster.
(Photo Courtesy: Mikey Williams/Top Rank)
