Foster Calls His Clash with Ford a "Stay-Busy" Fight

WBC super featherweight champion O’Shaquie Foster (24-3, 12KOs) says his upcoming title defense against Raymond Ford was never originally part of the plan, but after a potential showdown with Shakur Stevenson stalled earlier this year, Foster decided Ford offered the most compelling storyline.

Speaking with Fight Hype ahead of this weekend’s bout, Foster explained that Ford had not seriously pursued the fight in the past. “The only reason why I wasn’t really mentioning [Ford] as an opponent is because he never really came across my table and they wasn’t really like trying anything,” Foster said. “The only time they tried, they fought Nova and tried to call us three weeks ahead of that fight, which is not realistic as me being the champion, the fight being in Saudi, and all that. So I just didn’t think they were serious.”

The matchup gained momentum after Stevenson publicly mentioned Ford’s name during discussions surrounding a possible fight with Foster. “When me and Shakur had the situation earlier this year and he threw Raymond Ford name out there, it made a big story, ‘cause everybody want to see me and Shakur,” Foster said. “I have regular people on the streets that come up to me, a lot of boxers — like actual boxers at the top of the game — they want to see me and Shakur.”

Although Foster described the fight as a “stay-busy” bout, he clarified that he is not overlooking Ford. “I just say a stay-busy fight because I didn’t have to take it,” Foster explained. “He ain’t no champion, he wasn’t my mandatory. So it’s just a fight that I wanted to stay active and get back in the ring.”

Foster added that his confidence in interviews should not be mistaken for complacency. “I ain’t in no position to overlook nobody,” he said. “But when it comes to talking, you ain’t going to out-talk me, you ain’t going to sound better than me, you’re not smarter than me… but I’m training harder than ever. I’m ready.”

Foster also took aim at Ford’s preparation, which has included training alongside Stevenson and Richardson Hitchins. “Me looking at it, it just shows me they’re scared, they’re nervous,” Foster said. “They can form whatever Avengers team they need.”

With a victory, Foster expects Stevenson will have no choice but to revisit talks for a future superfight. “Once I handle Ray, [Stevenson] definitely going to have to answer after the fight, for sure,” Foster said.

Of course for Foster if Stevenson moves to Zuffa it could complicate potential talks of a match-up being that Foster is a PBC fighter. The politics of boxing certainly isn't getting any simpler. That said Foster has to beat Ford on Saturday to be even mentioned with the likes of Stevenson.