O'Shaquie Foster retained his WBC super-featherweight world title on Saturday night after defeating Ray Ford by majority decision in a grudge match at Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas.
The opening round produced chaos when Foster landed a one-two combination to Ford's head and body before grabbing hold of his opponent. Ford, a New Jersey fighter who previously held the WBA featherweight championship, quickly spun around to avoid a clinch but was launched through the ropes and out of the ring by his rival.
Ford fell flat on his stomach before promoter Eddie Hearn tried to help him back up. Ford quickly returned to his feet and re-entered the ring, where the referee spoke to both boxers before resuming the fight. Foster controversially avoided a point deduction from the official despite appearing to throw Ford out of the ring himself.
Ring ejection and points decision
That call proved irrelevant in the end as Foster retained his title via majority decision with scorecards of 118-110, 116-112, and 114-114 after dominating the championship rounds. The 32-year-old was arguably trailing at the middle stage of the bout before demonstrating superior experience and stamina to take over in the latter stages.
Ford, competing in his fourth fight up at 130lbs, appeared to suffer from the added weight as he slowed down in the second half of the contest and allowed Foster to build momentum.
Post-fight confrontation
Following his victory, Foster became embroiled in a heated dispute in the ring with Shakur Stevenson. Stevenson, a pound-for-pound star considered among the top five fighters on the planet, entered the ring after recently winning a world title in his fourth weight class by dethroning WBO super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez.
