One of the most accomplished boxers of his generation, undefeated two-division champion Rey Vargas battles O’Shaquie Foster for the vacant WBC super featherweight strap on Saturday, February 11 in San Antonio. A rising contender a few years back, Foster dealt with issues outside the ring leaving him with just one fight in the last 27 months. He made the most of it scoring a unanimous decision over Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov last March. This isn’t an ideal situation for him, though, with so few fights in the last three years which is why Foster is a +110 underdog.
While he hasn’t lost a fight, Vargas was knocked to the canvas in the ninth round in his last outing by Mark Magsayo. Vargas recovered to score a split decision victory claiming the WBC featherweight title in the process. Though he was the challenger in that bout, Vargas was a slight favorite on the odds board. It’s been six years since Vargas won his first division belt with a majority decision over Gavin McDonnell for the vacant WBC super bantamweight title. He successfully defended his title five times.
Foster vs Vargas Fight Odds
O’Shaquie Foster +110
Rey Vargas -140
Rounds: Over 10.5 (-500) / Under 10.5 (+351)
The 12-round super featherweight fight between Rey Vargas ( 36-0, 22 KOs) and O’Shaquie Foster ( 19-2, 11 KOs) will be held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX on Saturday, February 11, 2023. This is the main event on a five-fight ticket scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET on Showtime.
Rey Vargas vs. O’Shaquie Foster Fight Preview
Vargas is favored to continue his unbeaten run and claim a third division title in the process, but the challenge from Foster is going to be tough. Moving up the ranks has forced Vargas to add additional weight, though he says he gained strength and muscle. That’s all good, but his opponents will also be bigger and stronger.
With exceptional footwork and a long reach that extends to 74 inches, Vargas works his opponents and stays away from damaging blows. That’s obviously worked for him in the past and also sets OVER 10.5 rounds as the favorite on the betting board. Each of his last eight fights have gone the distance with his last stoppage taking place in September 2016 with a fifth round TKO of Alexander Munoz.
One thing that sets Vargas apart from other fighters is his tenacity. He’s been sent to the canvas several times during his career and beaten almost beyond recognition in others. He kissed the canvas in his last bout and was floored by a left hook from Franklin Manzanilla in their 2019 bout. Both times Vargas got up, continued fighting and eventually won rather convincingly. He also scored a unanimous decision over Azat Hovhannisyan in 2018 after being badly cut over both eyes. Vargas has been knocked down but never beaten during his pro career.
Though he hasn’t fought much recently, Foster takes a nine-fight winning streak into this confrontation. It’s been seven years since his last setback and both losses came as a lightweight. Foster appears to be a natural super featherweight dominating his division with seven straight wins.
A more powerful puncher, Foster needs to find a way to penetrate the defense of Vargas. And while the time off might be a concern for bettors, it hasn’t affected Foster. After nearly a year of inactivity he stopped Miguel Roman with a ninth-round KO after dropping him twice earlier. Withstanding another lengthy stretch of inactivity, Foster was back in the ring 15 months later sending Yaqubov to the mat in the 12th round of a unanimous decision.
Vargas vs. Foster Prediction
Both fighters are supremely confident in their abilities making the potential for a fantastic under the radar bout. It’s hard to go against Vargas, who’s emerged victorious in every professional fight. And with the chance to join the ranks of boxing immortals from his native Mexico that have held three division straps, the motivation is there. This is a difficult assignment for him though, facing a fighter who is undefeated in the weight class. Vargas had to make concessions again to move up and that could work against him. Foster has nothing to lose and everything to gain in this bout and I believe he comes out with an aggressive approach. If Vargas withstands the onslaught he likely wins the fight, but I’m betting on Foster landing a few punches to put the champ on his heels.
Our Pick: O’Shaquie Foster +110 / Decision
