Navarrete-Foster junior lightweight unification clash Oct. 24

          • James ReganSep 2, 2026, 03:38 PM ET

          Emanuel Navarrete and O'Shaquie Foster will clash in a junior lightweight unification bout on Oct. 24 in San Antonio, Top Rank confirmed Wednesday.

          Navarrete (40-2-1, 33 KOs) will defend his WBO and IBF belts while Foster will put his WBC title on the line at Frost Bank Center.

          Three-division world champion Navarrete -- who has also held titles at junior featherweight and featherweight -- is coming off a stoppage victory over Eduardo Nunez in February.

          "I'm coming for everything, and I'm coming with everything I've got," Navarrete said.

          "I'm a Mexican warrior. I fear nothing and no one. I'm glad O'Shaquie Foster accepted the fight, because I'm coming for that third world title. I already have two -- so why not three? On Oct. 24, you're going to see a real Mexican warrior."

          Foster (25-3, 12 KOs), from Orange, Texas, is a two-time champion at junior lightweight, having first won the WBC strap in 2023 before he lost it the following year on a split decision to Robson Conceição. Foster then avenged the defeat in his next fight and has defended the belt twice since. He beat Ray Ford with a majority decision in May to set up the unification with Navarrete.

          "This is the type of fight every fighter dreams about, and I'm ready for the challenge," Foster said.

          "I'm also excited to be back in San Antonio and fighting in front of all my fans, both locally and around the world. The support I've received throughout my career has meant everything to me, and I'm looking forward to giving everyone another performance to remember.

          "I know I say this every time, but this truly is the biggest fight of my career. I can't wait to put on for Texas and show the world what 'Shock' Foster is all about."

          Lightweights Albert Gonzalez and Edward Vazquez will face off in the co-main event, with Frank Martin also set to return for the first time since his draw against Nahir Albright in February.