This Saturday, Rey Vargas and O’Shaquie Foster will go head-to-head for the vacant WBC world super featherweight title in the 130-pound division.
After a two-year hiatus between 2019 and 2021, Vargas has returned to full fitness, following a broken bone he sustained while training.
Prior to that, Vargas’ career was progressing well. At the age of 32, the Mexican was able to overcome Leonard Baez in 2011 and then win the WBC title against Mark Magsayo by split decision, giving him belts in two different weight divisions at 122 and 126 pounds.
His next goal is to win a third title at a much heavier weight, with the 130-pound belt up for grabs. Vargas is a highly skilled boxer and was able to get knockouts at 122 lbs, but as he moved up to fight at 126 lbs, he was unable to get his opponents out of the ring as he went the distance.
With that being said, it remains to be seen if he can inflict any damage on Foster, who has a larger frame at 130 lbs. Foster, now 29, was a highly regarded amateur boxer, and this is his first chance to fight for a prestigious world title.
Foster experienced some difficulties in 2015 and 2016 when he had two defeats out of the four fights he participated in. He then implemented a few alterations in his team and hasn’t lost since.
His biggest success came when he knocked out Miguel Roman in the ninth round in 2020. He then followed this up with a victory over Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov that put him in the frame for a world title.
Fight Details
When: February 11th 2023
Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
Network: Showtime