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Shakur Called Out By Current World Champion

Contributor ·30 April 2026

WBC featherweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super featherweight champion O’Shaquie Foster confirmed that he intends to move up in weight to secure a fight with Shakur Stevenson.

Foster labeled Stevenson his “first option” following his upcoming title defense on May 30 against Raymond Ford. While Foster currently reigns at 130 lbs, he is prepared to meet Stevenson at lightweight (135 lbs) or junior welterweight (140 lbs). A fight with Shakur at 135 is unlikely, as Stevenson was stripped of his WBC belt after moving up to 140.

Credit: Boxing Scene

Meanwhile, Foster has no titles at 135. As for Stevenson, he made history on January 31, 2026, by moving up to 140 lbs and securing a unanimous decision over Teofimo Lopez to capture the WBO junior welterweight title, thus making him a four-weight champion. Foster wants to prove his credentials against Shakur.

“I am just excited by what is next. Once we knock him [Ford] out, we get that big fight that we want with Shakur and the sky is the limit. That [fight with Shakur] would be the first option, but if we can’t get him, maybe the Roach-Zepeda winner,” Foster said

Foster’s Chances

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A reason Foster troubles Stevenson is his defensive responsibility and “mirroring” capability. Stevenson thrives against opponents who leave openings when they reset or lunging fighters who lose their balance. Foster, however, is rarely out of position. He employs a sophisticated shoulder roll and subtle lateral movement that forces Stevenson to work harder for clean entries.

In his fight against Rey Vargas, Foster showed he could neutralize a taller, rangy fighter by staying just an inch out of range and making the favorite miss by narrow margins. If he applies this against Shakur, it turns the fight into a low-volume affair where Foster can steal rounds.