Can O’Shaquie Foster and Lou DiBella Patch Up Their Icy Relationship?
Junior lightweight is devoid of someone who is considered the best in the division. Yes, fighters are vying to have themselves on that mantle. Up to this point, no one has been able to separate themselves from the pack. Someone who would love to fill that void is O’Shaquie Foster (18-2, 11 KOs). Ranked second by the WBC at 130 pounds, the 27-year-old resident of Houston, Texas is itching for a fight. He would love to go to war with the current WBA World Interim 130-pound champion, Chris Colbert.
Following Colbert’s July 3 win over Tugststog Nyambayar, Foster called him out on social media. The fighter nicknamed “Ice Water” has long had his sights set on a battle against Colbert.
CAREER ON A STANDSTILL
If Foster is to have any chance of proving himself and facing the likes of Colbert, there is an obstacle outside of the ring he has to deal with. It has to do with the old boxing bugaboo of a fighter-versus-promoter lawsuit.
In March of 2021, promoter Lou DiBella sued the fighter for breach, according to boxingtalk.com, seeking $500,000 in damages. DiBella accuses Foster and his manager, Keith Mills, of attempting to get out of what he feels is a valid and binding deal. Foster and Mills had sought an injunction to work with another promoter. They attempted to use a “force majeure” clause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which shut down the sport for a significant chunk of 2020.
On July 17, U.S. District Court Judge John G. Koelt ruled in favor of DiBella. There could be a resolution to this. Following the judge’s ruling, DiBella’s attorney, John Wirt, said they hope to have Foster back fighting in September.
This reporter has seen Foster fight. Since a split decision loss to Rolando Chinea in July 2016, he has improved significantly. The Texan is versatile and can effectively switch from orthodox and southpaw. He is equally adept at boxing from range or moving forward, fighting in close. Foster was impressive in a ninth-round stoppage over former World lightweight title challenger Miguel Roman in nine rounds in November 2020.
The hope is that Foster and DiBella can settle their difference. “Ice Water” is a man who learned from early setbacks and has become a better fighter as a result. With his high ranking by the WBC, you could see him in line for a possible title shot next year. It would be a shame if the built-up momentum is thwarted by legal issues beyond his control.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
