O’Shaquie Foster lost his WBC junior lightweight title via split decision to Robson Conceicao in July – a result that didn’t sit well with many observers, particularly Foster’s trainer, Bobby Benton.
The 30-year-old Foster is set for a 12-round rematch with Conceicao on Nov. 2 at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York, with Benton confident that his fighter doesn’t need to make drastic adjustments.
“Everybody keeps telling me, ‘Oh, he’s gotta knock him out.’ I’m like, why? We won the fight easy,” Benton said. “All we need are competent judges. That fight was one of Shock’s easiest. It was either a shutout or a 11-1 win, whatever you want to call it. So why should we have to do anything different?”
Foster (20-3, 12 KOs), originally from Orange, Texas, but now residing in Houston, is known for his high ring IQ and adaptability, will enter the rematch with Benton’s full trust in his abilities.
“Shock’s the smartest fighter I’ve ever trained in my life,” Benton said. “He’s like a video game cheat code. Once he figures out what you’re doing, he’ll shut it down.
“Shock might be more aggressive this time around, but he shouldn’t have to be,” Benton explained. “He’s a smart guy, and if something’s wrong, he listens. His ring IQ allows him to do whatever he wants in there.”
Benton also emphasized that while Foster’s training camp for the first fight was rigorous, they intentionally made slight changes, ensuring he was fresh for fight night. “We didn’t even take a deep breath during the fight,” Benton noted, “it was easy for him.”
The rematch against the 35-year-old Brazilian Conceicao (18-2, 8 KOs) will be a critical test for Foster, but Benton believes his fighter’s intelligence and preparation will be enough to reclaim the title, as Benton and his team believe they already beat Conceicao before.
“With Shock, I really don’t have to say much, just when he’s making a mistake,” Benton said. “You can over-coach, but with him, you just let him do his thing. He’ll figure everything else out.”
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