After controversial decision, Conceicao to face Foster in rematch
Muratalla, closing in on lightweight title shot, faces Perez in co-feature
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Junior lightweight titlist Robson Conceicao and former titleholder O’Shaquie Foster will meet in a WBC-mandated rematch on Nov. 2 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, Top Rank announced on Monday.
In the 10-round co-feature, lightweight contender Raymond Muratalla will square off with Jesus Perez. The entire card will stream on ESPN+.
In his fourth shot at a 130-pound world title, Conceicao won a heavily disputed split decision over Foster to claim the belt on July 6 in Newark, New Jersey. Two judges had Conceicao winning, 116-112 and 115-113, and one judge had it 116-112 for Foster.
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“Conceicao and Foster are eager to prove themselves following their initial fight,” Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said. “This rematch is about setting things straight. Both want to show who the better man is, which will make for an exciting, competitive matchup, with the winner positioning himself for a chance at a unification bout.”
Conceicao (19-2-1, 9 KOs), 35, a three-time Olympian and Brazil's first Olympic boxing gold medalist in 2016, was overcome with emotion when he was announced as the winner against Foster, finally having claimed a world title after having gone 0-2-1 in three previous opportunities at 130 pounds against Oscar Valdez, Shakur Stevenson and a draw with Emanuel Navarrete.
But there were many who believed Foster was the clear winner. Soon thereafter, the WBC ordered a rematch and Top Rank worked out deals with both fighters for the sequel.
“I’m fully focused and ready for my first title defense,” Conceicao said. “Every fight is a new opportunity to prove myself, and on Nov. 2, I’ll step into the ring with the same determination and hunger that brought me here.
“I respect O’Shaquie Foster, but I will show why I’m the true champion. My team and I have worked tirelessly, and I’m confident our efforts will be rewarded again. Foster, don’t run in the ring.”
Foster (23-3, 12 KOs), 30, of Houston, was dethroned his third defense and aims to reclaim the title.
“I can’t wait for Nov. 2,” Foster said. “I’m ready to go out there and make a statement. That bad decision woke something up in me, and now all I can think about is the ‘get back.’ I want to thank everybody who pushed for the right thing to be done. Now the focus is to become a two-time champion.”
Muratalla (21-0, 16 KOs), 27, of Fontana, California, is closing in on a title opportunity and is coming off his most significant victory. On July 13, he won 10-round unanimous decision against former junior lightweight titleholder Tevin Farmer.
“I’m excited to get back in the ring. I like staying active, so fighting for the third time this year will keep me sharp as I get closer to a world title,” Muratalla said. “Jesus Perez is tough and experienced. He’ll bring the fight, which means it will be an exciting clash where I can show my skills.”
Perez (25-5, 18 KOs), 27, of Mexico, suffered back-to-back decision losses to welterweight contender Alexis Rocha in October 2022 and Brian Norman Jr., who would go on to win the WBO welterweight title, in May 2023. But Perez has won his only bout since, a 10-round upset split decision over former junior lightweight titlist Joseph Diaz Jr. in a February junior welterweight bout.
Top Rank also announced two other undercard fights, though more will be added:
Former junior lightweight title challenger Abraham Nova (23-3, 16 KOs), 30, of Albany, New York, will face Humberto Galindo (14-3-2, 11 KOs), 24, of Mexico, in a 10-rounder. Nova has lost two in a row, a split decision challenging Foster for the WBC title in February and a 10-round decision to unbeaten Andres Cortes on June 21.
Junior welterweight Bryce Mills (16-1, 5 KOs), 23, from nearby Liverpool, New York, will face former title challenger Hank Lundy (32-14-1, 14 KOs), 40, of Philadelphia, in an eight-rounder.
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Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
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Hey Dan, off topic—have you heard anything about GGG fighting Crawford? GGG says he’s not retired. I do not think it would go well for him if this happened.
I had Conceicao winning the first fight by 2pts see how this one goes