World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight (58.9 kg) world champion O'Shaquie Foster retained his championship belt after defeating Raymond Ford with a unanimous decision victory in Houston, Texas, United States.
"Foster won the fight by majority decision after the judges gave scores of 118-110, 116-112, 114-114," the WBC reported on its website, which was monitored.
Both fighters began the round by gauging each other's distance and using numerous feints . Near the end of the first round, Foster caused controversy by throwing Ford out of the ring during an embrace. However, the referee only issued a warning and did not deduct a point.
In the next three rounds, Ford became faster and more aggressive. His straight left and right combinations penetrated Foster's defense several times. Meanwhile, Foster attacked with uppercuts and counter rights, making the two American boxers' duel a tight affair.
Foster began to find his rhythm. He controlled his distance more effectively and made it difficult for Ford to land clean combinations. However, the pace of the match slowed slightly as both men played more cautiously.
The seventh through ninth rounds were Foster's best. He dominated the pressure, was more active in throwing punches from mid-range, and forced Ford to defend several times. Ford began to slow down and his punching volume decreased.
