In the inaugural edition of Ring City USA’s fight night on NBC Sports Network, O’Shaquie Foster (18-2, 11 KOs) took on veteran Miguel Roman (62-14, 47 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round bout from the house that Freddie Roach built–the historic Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles, California.
Going into the Thursday-night bout, Foster was known as the boxer and was expected to use the ring to try and beat Roman with speed, combinations and movement. Roman on the other hand was billed as the all-action brawler, with dynamite in his gloves.
But, early on, that narrative was turned on its head as Foster immediately met Roman in the middle of the ring. Foster started things off with jabs and well-placed shots to the midsection as he looked to show off his power as well as his movement and boxing skills.
Midway through the first round, a beautiful one-two combination wobbled and dropped Miguel Roman. Roman had said prior to the fight that he expected Foster to run, so being hurt early on had to have been a shock.
Foster looked to finish his man off as he even switched stances and looked to land right hooks out of the southpaw stance. Roman survived, but the tone was set.
By Round 3, it was evident that Foster would not shy away from inside exchanges. Roman was able to land some shots in close quarters, but Foster flashed his ability to catch and shoot as he landed flush power punches to Roman’s head.
“He’s got fast hands, but he doesn’t mind working on the inside-and he knows how,” said ringside commentator and former Welterweight champion, Shawn Porter.
Although Roman showed some signs of life in Round 5, it was only because Foster decided to keep the fight on the inside, which allowed Roman to land some power punches and take the round on Steve Smoger’s unofficial scorecard.
Foster got back to a more intelligent game plan in Rounds 6 and 7, as he showed off his quickness and counterpunching ability, which made things nearly impossible for Roman.
In Round 9, Foster once again came out working behind his jab, as the sluggish Roman plodded forward. Although Foster’s corner had instructed him to keep his steady boxing pace, he exploded on Roman with a left hook that sent the Mexican veteran to the canvas for the second time in the fight.
Roman was able to climb off the deck, but after another barrage, referee Jack Reiss had seen enough and called a halt to the bout at :58 seconds of Round 9.
One of the most impressive things about Foster’s victory was that he showed versatility and was able to dominate Roman at his own game.
“I feel like I showed everybody I can box and I can be on the inside and mix it up,” said Foster after the fight. “I showed the world that I’m talented and hopefully everybody will want to see me again.”
Indeed, that sort of performance is one that will line up bigger fights for Foster–something that he hopes will come next in the busy 130-pound division.
“I would love to have the winner of [Miguel] Berchelt and [Oscar] Valdez or [Jamel] Herring and [Carl] Frampton.”
