Bobby Benton: Rivals see O’Shaquie Foster as ‘weak link’

Bobby Benton, trainer of WBC junior lightweight champion O’Shaquie Foster, believes his fighter consistently brings out the best in his opponents.

Foster will defend his title for the third time against Robson Conceicao on the undercard of Shakur Stevenson-Artem Harutyunyan on Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Benton downplayed his role in rejuvenating Foster’s career and helping him rise to the championship level, which allowed him to become a figurehead in the 130-pound weight class. He also has considerable respect for the achievements of Conceicao, the 2016 Olympic gold medalist from Brazil.

“A good fighter, a dangerous fight,” Benton told BoxingScene. “He’s relentless in some ways, but he’s also tricky. He’s not afraid. He throws from weird places. It’s a good fight, I always look at these guys like they’re always going to put on their best performance against ‘Shock.’”

“Guys are rallying. They’re fighting for the world title and they may feel like Shock is the weak link,” Benton said. “But they’re rallying for him.”

Benton acknowledged that Conceicao has faced tough competition and has suffered some controversial losses. He highlighted Conceicao’s stamina and dangerous potential, but stressed the importance of experience at this stage of the 30-year-old Foster’s career.

“He can play all day,” Benton said. “He’s lost to every world champion, and one of them is controversial. He’s dangerous. He’s a dangerous guy, but that’s where we are, and at this point in our careers, that’s just the way it is. We have to be ready for anything.”

Looking back on his fighter’s recent performances, Benton also discussed the challenges Foster faced in February against Abraham Nova, including a nagging injury. Despite those obstacles, Benton remains confident in Foster’s abilities and his preparation for Conceicao.

“He just didn’t do everything he could have done,” Benton said. “In the third round, he got elbowed in the bicep and his thumb (was injured), and he had to fight through that. He also had a foot injury before the fight.”