A much-needed matchup between Emanuel Navarrete and O’Shaquie Foster is just what the doctor ordered in what has been a disappointing year in boxing. The style these boxers fight with is also one of the more intriguing parts of Saturday’s main event. Hopefully next year, this is the type of fight that will headline TNT as part of the DAZN deal. This closely matched bout will be live-streamed on the DAZN app.
O’Shaquie Foster has won 15 out of his last 16 outings and, like his opponent, has never been stopped in a loss. Robson Conceicao beat Foster in their first meeting, loss in the rematch, and fought to a draw with Navarrete. Foster has been a pro boxer for over 14 years, same as his foe on Saturday night. These two fighters suffered losses early, only to fully develop into rock-solid champions.
Both men can be the aggressor and box on the outside. Foster has shown to be better at range and as an accurate counterpuncher. Navarrete is awkward in his approach but has found a way to make it work. This boxing podcaster must admit it’s been a bit difficult to predict Emanuel’s fights. Nav’s best wins are Oscar Valdez and maybe Eduardo Nunez. Foster’s best wins are Raymond Ford, Stephen Fulton, and Rey Vargas.
The switch-hitting O’Shaquie Foster will need to be disciplined not just defensively, but also strategically. At times, he can be inconsistent and give away rounds; in this one, he can afford to give even a minute away to a workhorse like Navarrete. Foster must attempt to win every round and not go through long spells without punching. Circling with a jab, setting traps to counter, and at times mixing it up on the inside is the main ingredient for a Foster victory.
Emanuel must be assertive as the aggressor, not simply follow a better outside boxer in Foster. Limiting wide punching that misses, which puts Navarrete off balance in a bad position to be countered. Navarrete is a more educated come-forward fighter than it appears when watching the highlights. His ability to change the angle from a jab to a hook or a hook to an uppercut is truly a thing of beauty, regardless of how crude it may look at times.
From a betting odds perspective, Foster is anywhere from –137 to -190, and Navarrete is around +109 to +140 on the moneyline. Foster by decision is –105 and +500 by stoppage. Navarrete is +250 by decision and +480 by stoppage. O’Shaquie has more paths to victory, and in a close fight, that could be the difference. The best bet is –105 Foster.
My Official Prediction is O’Shaquie Foster by decision.
PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rope-a-dope-radio-podcast/id1794655742?i=1000797708607
Side Note: Don’t miss Dalton Smith vs Alberto Puello earlier in the day from the UK on DAZN.
My Pick: Dalton Smith by Decision.
Written by Chris Carlson Host/Producer of The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, Amazon Podcasts, Tunein, Deezer, Podchaser, Castbox & More! Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio