The three-belt unification showdown between WBO/IBF junior lightweight champion Emanuel Navarrete and WBC king O’Shaquie Foster was officially announced today at a press conference.
Navarrete, 40-2-1 (33 KOs), and Foster, 25-3 (12 KOs), will meet in the 12-round main event, presented by Top Rank and live on DAZN (8 pm ET/5 pm PT), on Saturday, October 24, from Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
Also announced was a 10-round featherweight co-feature between IBF No. 9-, WBO No. 11- and WBO No. 12-ranked Albert Gonzalez, 18-0 (11 KOs), and two-time world title challenger Edward Vazquez, 20-3 (6 KOs), of Fort Worth, Texas.
A champion at junior featherweight, featherweight and now junior lightweight, 31-year-old “Vaquero” Navarrete was last seen giving one of his most impressive performances while dethroning then IBF champ Eduardo Nunez by 11th-round stoppage in February to unify the WBO and IBF titles.
“I’m coming for everything, and I’m coming with everything I’ve got,” said Navarrete. “I’m a Mexican warrior. I fear nothing and no one. I’m glad O’Shaquie Foster accepted the fight, because I’m coming for that third world title. I already have two—so why not three? On October 24, you’re going to see a real Mexican warrior.”
Having already won belts at lightweight (interim title) and junior lightweight, 32-year-old Foster returned home to Houston in May to score an impressive majority decision over formidable former featherweight champion Raymond Ford.
“This is the type of fight every fighter dreams about, and I’m ready for the challenge,” said Foster. “I’m also excited to be back in San Antonio and fighting in front of all my fans, both locally and around the world. The support I’ve received throughout my career has meant everything to me, and I’m looking forward to giving everyone another performance to remember. I know I say this every time, but this truly is the biggest fight of my career. I can’t wait to put on for Texas and show the world what ‘Shock’ Foster is all about.
Trained by the renowned Robert Garcia, Moreno Valley, California’s “Chop Chop” Gonzalez scored a second-round knockout over former world title challenger Aaron Alameda to capture the vacant NABF featherweight title in July.
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity,” said the promising Gonzalez. “Every fight has been a step up, and we’ve been passing every test, thank God. My goal is to become a world champion, and now I get the chance to face a two-time world title challenger and show everybody what I can do. I’m excited to fight in San Antonio, too. It’s a great boxing city, and I’m looking forward to showing out.”
Currently riding a three-fight winning streak, 30-year-old “Kid” Vazquez picked up the WBC USA junior lightweight title by outpointing capable Mexican veteran Daniel Lugo over 10 rounds in June.
“I’m excited and grateful for this opportunity,” said Vazquez. “It’s going to be a fun, entertaining fight for the fans. Gonzalez is a talented young fighter with a lot of hype behind him, but I’m the first real test of his career. I’ve worked too hard and come too far to let this opportunity pass me by. Come October 24, I plan on showing everyone there are levels to this.”
Additionally, junior welterweight contender Frank Martin will make his Top Rank debut in a 10-round battle against an opponent TBA. Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m. CT via Ticketmaster.com.
