WBC junior lightweight world champion O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster is gearing up to chill out his next challenger, Abraham “El Super” Nova, in his second world title defense. This showdown is set for Friday, Feb. 16, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, a stage steeped in boxing history.
Top Rank, along with Murphys Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotion, are behind this frosty face-off, with details on tickets and the undercard to be announced soon.
Catch this bout live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, where Foster aims to cement his status as the top dog in the junior lightweight division.
Bob Arum, Top Rank chairman, is excited about the matchup. “O’Shaquie Foster wants to prove he is the best junior lightweight in the world, and he’ll have an opportunity to make that statement February 16 against a determined, powerful challenger in Abraham Nova,” Arum noted. He’s anticipating another thrilling night at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
Foster (21-2, 10 KOs), hailing from Orange, Texas, has been undefeated in his last 11 fights since a split decision loss to Rolando Chinea in 2016. Since teaming up with celebrated trainer Bobby Benton in Houston, Foster has been on a tear, showcasing the skills honed over a 100-fight amateur career, which includes a 2010 National PAL title and an alternate berth on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. He grabbed the WBC world title in February with a decisive win over Rey Vargas and defended it with a dramatic 12th-round knockout against Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez. In November, Foster secured a long-term promotional deal with Top Rank.
“It’s always been my dream to fight at Madison Square Garden, and what better promoter to make this all happen than Top Rank? I’m ready to put on a show and keep proving that I’m the best fighter in the world,” said an enthusiastic Foster.
Nova (23-1, 16 KOs), with roots in Puerto Rico and Albany, New York, brings a rich amateur background of nearly 200 fights, including wins over Frank Martin, Richardson Hitchins, and Nahir Albright. He joined forces with Top Rank in 2020, following a string of victories across various countries. Nova bounced back into the junior lightweight division with victories over Adam Lopez and former world champion Jonathan Romero, following a knockout loss to Robeisy Ramirez in June 2022.
“My team and I have earned this opportunity to bring a world title back home,” Nova declared. “You know what I bring, and you know what I’m about. No fear, no doubt.”
As the clock ticks down to February 16, the boxing world awaits to see if Foster can keep his cool or if Nova will bring the heat in this high-stakes showdown.