Last Friday night, O’Shaquie Foster defeated Abraham Nova by split decision. The thrilling bout was decided amidst a dramatic flurry in the final moments, with Foster defending his 130-pound title for the second time.
Foster, aged 30 with a record of 22-2 (12 KOs), overcame suffering an injured right biceps in the fifth round and secured a win. Despite this setback and acknowledging weight-cutting issues that led him to consider hiring a nutritionist, Foster demonstrated superior conditioning. "I’m a 12-round fighter, and I know how to make adjustments throughout the fight," he stated after his victory. He also humbly added, "It wasn’t my best performance but we got it done."
Abraham Nova, also aged 30 and holding a record of 23-2 (16 KOs), faced his second title attempt setback but remained optimistic. Dramatically sporting a blood-stained beard from a lip injury during the match, Nova showed signs of fatigue as the fight advanced—an aspect that ultimately contributed to his defeat. "We keep working; we keep grinding. This [loss] is nothing; it was a close fight," asserted a resilient Nova post-fight.
Foster vs Nova Round by Round Results
The early rounds were evenly matched and difficult to score. As the fight progressed into the second half, Foster began to display his superiority. Notably, he switched to a southpaw stance, which seemed to be effective against Nova. In contrast, Nova showed signs of fatigue as the rounds went on.
Despite suffering an injured right biceps in the fifth round, Foster continued to fight. This injury did not deter him; it underscored his resilience and determination.
The turning point came in the 12th round when Foster landed a powerful counter left hook that sent Nova to the canvas. This decisive 10-8 round played a crucial role in securing Foster's win.
Foster vs Nova Scorecard
The judges' scores reflected the fight's intensity: John McKaie scored it 114-113 for Nova, while Mark Constantino and Kevin Morgan favored Foster with scores of 115-112 and 116-111, respectively. The pivotal moment came when Foster landed a devastating counter left hook knocking down Nova with just twenty seconds remaining.
Foster remarked on his performance stating, “I’m a 12-round fighter, and I know how to make adjustments throughout the fight. It wasn’t my best performance, but we got it done.” On the other hand, a resilient Nova said, “We keep working, we keep grinding. This [loss] is nothing, it was a close fight.”
This victory marked Foster's second successful defense of his 130-pound belt. His previous fight against Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez ended in a TKO in the 12th round last October.
Foster vs Nova Stats
Statistics from their latest encounter show that during the first round alone, Foster threw 40 punches but only landed 6. His physical condition was notably affected after hurting his right biceps in the fifth round. Meanwhile, Nova's condition visibly declined around the eighth round where his fatigue became evident and his technique worsened.
Nova’s attempt for a title before this bout ended in loss against Robeisy Ramirez back in 2022. This match adds another layer to both fighters' careers with Foster showcasing his ability to adjust and persevere through injury while Nova displayed toughness but ultimately fell short.
