WBC world super featherweight champion O’Shaquie Foster has expressed his desire to move up in weight to fight WBO world super lightweight titleholder Shakur Stevenson.
However, first, Foster needs to overcome his next challenge. He is set to defend his WBC world super featherweight belt against Raymond Ford at the Fertitta Center in Houston. This bout represents a significant test in his current division before potentially moving on to bigger opportunities.
In his recent appearance on FightHype, Foster emphasised that the fight against Ford could be a stepping stone toward major fights at higher weight classes.
“I am just excited by what is next,” Foster said on FightHype. Once we knock him [Ford] out, we get that big fight that we want with Shakur, and the sky is the limit.”
The comments underline Foster’s ambition, as he looks beyond his immediate opponent and toward a defining clash that could lift his profile further.
Foster sets sights on Stevenson
Foster identified Stevenson as his top priority once he completes his current commitments.
“That [fight with Shakur] would be the first option,” he said.
A fight between Foster and Stevenson would represent a compelling matchup, bringing together two highly skilled fighters with contrasting styles.
While Stevenson remains the preferred target, Foster acknowledged that other opportunities could emerge depending on how the division unfolds.
“If we can’t get him, maybe the Roach-Zepeda winner,” he added.
Stevenson was stripped of his WBC lightweight belt in February, and now the WBC has ordered a vacant lightweight title fight between Lamont Roach Jr. (25-1-3, 10KOs) and William Zepeda (33-1, 27KOs).
The American southpaw dethroned Teofimo Lopez to claim the WBO World Super lightweight title back in January at Madison Square Garden. He dominated the fight and won by unanimous decision.
Since the victory, the American southpaw has been out of action, and strong reports have emerged that he is in talks about his next opponent.
Interestingly, Foster’s callout comes at a time when Stevenson’s own future remains unclear.
Strong rumors have been surfacing on the internet that suggest that Devin Haney and Stevenson had entered preliminary talks for a potential fight.
Stevenson downplays Devin Haney fight rumors
Boxing fans have linked Stevenson and Haney as both have been pound-for-pound highly ranked fighters, and fans want to see them go head-to-head. The rumor ignited when DAZN’s Mike Coppinger reported that Stevenson and Haney had engaged in preliminary talks.
Stevenson took to X and dismissed those claims, and He further questioned the validity of the reports, stating that neither he nor his team had been involved in any discussions.
“I know fans like to get excited and they could play with yall heads and manipulate yall easily but that rumor is cap for the 2nd time.. I haven’t heard one word about that, idk what they tryna cover up or disguise but for me and my team we haven’t heard shit.”
I know fans like to get excited and they could play with yall heads and manipulate yall easily but that rumor is cap for the 2nd time.. I haven’t heard one word about that, idk what they tryna cover up or disguise but for me and my team we haven’t heard shit
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) April 27, 2026
The clarification adds another layer to the situation, as it leaves Stevenson’s next move uncertain and potentially keeps the door open for other matchups.
