Litchfield’s British and Commonwealth super Bantamweight champ Brad Foster made the step up to the international ranks by taking on Alvaro Rodriguez for the vacant IBF International super-bantamweight title. The 22-year-old went into the fight unbeaten in 15 fights winning 13 and drawing 2, Rodriguez (35 from Madrid) has also fought 15 times winning 10 and drawing one. The fight was shown live on BT sports and was part of the Queensberry promotions show (26.3.21) and was set to be contested over 10 rounds. Foster weighed in 8 stone 10 with Rodriguez coming in 8 stone nine.
Foster was very busy in the first round getting some good shots off, Foster caught Rodriguez with a hurtful body shot that made the Spaniards wince but he managed to see the round out. Foster dominated the second as he controlled the ring with fast hands and feet picking his shots well. The third was another round controlled by Foster where he banged in some nice shots.
Rodriguez moved well in the fourth and got the odd shot off but Foster edged the round with the cleaner shots. Rodrigue had his best round as he put some good shots together to just nick the round for me. Foster came out sharp in the sixth with some nice fast hands, Rodriguez put some shots together near the end of the round but Foster won it. Rodriguez tried to draw Foster into a scrap but Foster kept his discipline and boxed well to win the round.
Foster boxed well in the eighth behind the jab getting some nice right hands-off. Foster moved well in the ninth and let his hands go with Rodriguez having some joy but it was Fosters' round. Foster picked his shots well as he moved around the ring cruising to victory in the final round.
The judges were unanimous with Howard Foster, Marcus McDonnell, and Terry O’Connor scoring it a shut out 100 to 90 to Foster. I had it 99 to 91 Foster.
Dexter’s Thoughts
Yet another great performance by Foster and to get a shut-out victory over 10 rounds is an achievement in its self. Foster in my opinion is destined to fight for a world title, but there is one fighter that may stand in his way. Gamel Yafia is the current EBU super-bantamweight champ and Foster has been made mandatory for this title. This will be a fantastic contest and the winner I’m sure will get a world title shot.