Fulton-Foster Fight Reimagined: Title status Shifts in Dramatic Weigh-In Aftermath
the highly anticipated clash between Stephen Fulton jr.and O’Shaquie Foster will proceed as scheduled this Saturday in San Antonio, but with a significant twist. The bout will no longer be for Foster’s WBC junior lightweight title, following a dramatic turn of events at Friday’s weigh-in.
Fulton (23-1, 8 kos), moving up from featherweight, registered 132 pounds – exceeding the 130-pound junior lightweight limit by two pounds. This initially meant Foster (23-3, 12 KOs) could retain his title with a win, but a Fulton victory would have resulted in a vacant championship.
However, the WBC intervened after the weigh-in, reclassifying the fight as an interim lightweight title bout at 135 pounds. This unexpected move effectively rescues Fulton from the consequences of missing weight and provides him with another chance to compete for a title. The victor will now become the mandatory challenger for Shakur Stevenson’s WBC lightweight title.
Key Takeaways from the Weigh-In Drama
* Weight Miss: Stephen Fulton Jr. came in two pounds over the junior lightweight limit.
* WBC Intervention: the WBC reclassified the fight as an interim lightweight title bout.
* Title Implications: The winner will challenge Shakur Stevenson for the WBC lightweight title.
* stevenson’s Next Move: Stevenson is slated to face Teofimo Lopez on January 31st in a junior welterweight showdown.
Fulton,31,recently captured the WBC featherweight championship in February and opted for a swift ascent to challenge Foster. The fight faced an initial delay, originally planned for October 25th as part of the Sebastian Fundora-Keith Thurman card, due to a hand injury sustained by Fundora.
Saturday’s event isn’t solely focused on Fulton-Foster. The main event features an interim WBC junior welterweight contest between Isaac Cruz (138.6 pounds) and Lamont Roach Jr. (139.6 pounds).
Moreover, Erislandy Lara will defend his WBA middleweight title against Johan Gonzalez.Gonzalez stepped in on short notice after Janibek Alimkhanuly failed a drug test and was removed from his unification bout with Lara.Despite the late call, Gonzalez made weight comfortably at 158.6 pounds, while the 42-year-old Lara weighed in at 159.6 pounds.
This card, unfolding at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, promises a night of compelling boxing action, underscored by the unexpected twists and turns surrounding the Fulton-Foster title picture. You can expect a fierce competition as both fighters aim to claim the interim lightweight title and position themselves for a future championship opportunity.
ESPN’s Andreas Hale contributed to this report.
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