O’Shaquie Foster and Stephen Fulton are scheduled to compete for the WBC interim lightweight title this coming Saturday evening, broadcast on PBC PPV, instead of the originally planned super featherweight championship bout. This alteration follows Fulton’s (23-1, 8 KOs) failure to meet the weight requirement, registering 132 lbs for what was initially intended as a challenge for Foster’s WBC 130-lb title.
Clarification on Title Change
The WBC opted to maintain a title opportunity for this important match. Consequently, the interim lightweight championship will be up for grabs for both Foster (23-3, 12 KOs) and Fulton. This adjustment presents a beneficial scenario, allowing both fighters to explore new possibilities at 135 lbs. The lightweight division offers considerably more lucrative opportunities compared to the 130 or 126 lb weight classes.
Foster versus Fulton is scheduled as part of the undercard for the Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz versus Lamont Roach event, taking place at the Frost Bank Arena in San Antonio, Texas. The broadcast will be available live via Amazon Prime Video PPV, priced at $74.99.
According to Dan Rafael, PBC requested the WBC to sanction the Foster versus Fulton contest for the interim lightweight title to ensure a championship was still at stake. The request was approved.
Fan Reaction
A segment of fans have voiced their disapproval regarding the WBC’s decision to institute the interim lightweight title. Their criticism has been persistent. The issue seems minimal. Consider this: the reigning WBC champion, Shakur Stevenson, has moved up to 140 lbs to pursue greater financial rewards, earning significant sums in a fight against Teofimo Lopez for his WBO light welterweight title. This move effectively abandons his WBC 135 lb title.
Given the champion’s decision to vacate the lightweight division, it’s reasonable for the WBC to maintain activity in the weight class. They derive no benefit from Shakur’s participation in the WBO title fight with Teo, nor do the fighters awaiting their opportunity at 135 lbs. WBC president Mauricion Sulaiman made an appropriate decision by sanctioning the interim title for this Saturday’s Foster versus Fulton match.
Stevenson has alluded to a potential move to 147 lbs to secure another high-paying fight against Conor Benn. With Shakur’s departure leaving the WBC’s top contenders at 135 without a title opportunity, the interim title availability for Fulton and Foster is a positive development.
The WBC could further benefit the lightweight division by stripping Shakur of his title the moment he enters the ring against Teofimo. They could then promote the victor of Saturday’s Foster-Fulton fight to the position of full WBC lightweight champion.
