O’Shaquie Foster Vs. Stephen Fulton Breakdown

O’Shaquie Foster takes on Stephen Fulton in a WBC Super Featherweight title clash on December 6, as we preview this upcoming fight. 

Foster will be defending the WBC Super Featherweight title he recently reclaimed. Foster initially captured the vacant belt in 2023 but lost it in a controversial split decision to Robson Conceição in July 2024. Foster immediately pursued a rematch with Conceição and successfully regained the title via split decision in November 2024.

Meanwhile, Fulton is the former Unified Super Bantamweight (122 lbs) champion, as he aims for a belt in a third weight class. His reign ended with a loss to Naoya Inoue in 2023. However, he came back stronger, beating Brandon Figueroa by unanimous decision to capture the WBC Featherweight (126 lbs) title. Now, he moves up to 130 for this bout. 

Pre-Fight

“He’s very resilient. But he lost something in that loss to Inoue. He’s a totally different fighter now; slower hands, slower feet. That’s just my opinion. Some fights you go through and it takes some years off of you — I am not sure if it’s because he moved up, but since that loss he’s slowed down for sure. It’s a big jump for him. He moved up from 122 [pounds] to 126 to fight [Brandon] Figueroa, but [Figueroa] was the guy that he fought at 122 as well, so it wasn’t like he was moving up to fight a naturally much bigger dude,” Foster stated

“I’m not really focused on the title of becoming a three-division champion. I’m motivated by fighting other champions. That’s why I moved up in weight. But it will feel great to accomplish my goals. I don’t really care what people or other fighters have to say. I’m not going anywhere … I don’t get phased by size or what people say. My experience talks and my heart talks. I don’t have to put on a facade. “I’m a three-division world champion on October 25. I don’t have to say much. That’s my end goal and I’m gonna accomplish it,” Fulton said

The Approach

Foster’s objective is to utilize his superior size and reach (72-inch reach) to control the distance. He will rely heavily on a stiff jab and straight punches to keep Fulton on the end of his shots. Foster will often fire a straight right from Orthodox, pivot, and immediately throw a counter left from the southpaw stance, keeping Fulton guessing.

Foster is a master of the feint, using minimal movement to draw out a reaction from his opponent before countering. Foster’s cardio is also a significant asset. His plan will involve banking rounds early by being the cleaner, more effective puncher from the outside. He knows Fulton is durable but can be out-worked.

Fulton’s objective is to negate Foster’s size advantage by closing the distance and making the fight an inside battle where Foster’s reach is nullified. He must use aggressive, educated pressure to close the distance, where he can unleash his short combinations and tie up the champion. Fulton will employ the Philly Shell or a high guard to deflect punches, using his shoulder roll to make Foster miss.