Why O’Shaquie Foster May Face Emanuel Navarrete Instead Of Shakur Stevenson

Keith Idec believes a title unification bout is more realistic than O’Shaquie Foster’s pursuit of Shakur Stevenson

O’Shaquie Foster wants a fight with Shakur Stevenson, but veteran boxing journalist Keith Idec believes Emanuel Navarrete is the more likely next opponent. Idec says a title unification fight makes more sense given the current landscape at junior lightweight.

Foster renewed discussion about a potential showdown with Stevenson following his recent victory over Raymond Ford in Houston. The WBC junior lightweight champion has repeatedly mentioned Stevenson since defeating Stephen Fulton last December and recently suggested the unbeaten star becomes “emotional” whenever his name is brought up.

According to Idec, Stevenson is pursuing bigger fights and larger paydays than a bout with Foster would currently provide. Stevenson has also been linked to several high-profile matchups as speculation continues regarding his future plans.

Instead, Idec pointed to a title unification fight between Foster and Emanuel Navarrete as a much more realistic option.

Navarrete (40-2-1, 33 KOs) currently holds the IBF and WBO junior lightweight titles, while Foster (25-3, 12 KOs) owns the WBC belt. Both fighters are promoted by Top Rank, which would make a unification bout easier to arrange than a fight involving Stevenson.

Idec also noted that a Foster-Navarrete matchup would determine the division’s leading champion. Navarrete is widely regarded as one of the top fighters at 130 pounds, while Foster strengthened his standing with victories over Stephen Fulton, Robson Conceicao and Raymond Ford.

As Foster continues to pursue Stevenson, Idec believes a unification bout with Navarrete remains the fight most likely to move from discussion to reality.

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