O’SHAQUIE Foster remains the Boxing News super-featherweight number one despite losing his WBC title to Robson Conceicao.
After extensive discussions, the ratings panel considered the manner of O’Shaquie’s defeat (deemed controversial by many), the fact that the WBC has since ordered a rematch, and the strange scenario that his main rival for the top spot, Emanuel Navarrete, is not only coming off a loss but also recently drew with Conceicao.
Add the further caveat that Navarrete’s defeat to Denys Berinchyk came up at lightweight, and it was a real head-scratcher working out where to place them.
Brazil’s Conceicao, not at fault for any perceived judging errors, shoots up into fourth spot, just behind WBO Interim king Oscar Valdez.
It’s been a strong couple of months for the 130-pound stars as Anthony Cacace cemented fifth spot after his win over Joe Cordina (now #7) and Lamont Roach Jr hit sixth place following a comprehensive stoppage of WBA title challenger Feargal McCrory in Washington.
Division dark horse ‘Prince’ Albert Bell remains at number nine, no doubt hoping he can finally snare a title shot. The 31-year-old Ohio fighter is a talented 26-0 (9 KOs) but has found opportunities hard to come by.