O'Shaquie Foster upsets Rey Vargas to win WBC 130-pound title

O'Shaquie Foster defeated Rey Vargas on Saturday in San Antonio to win the WBC junior lightweight title.

Foster, who won his first world title in his first attempt, defeated Vargas by unanimous decision. The judges had it 116-112, 117-111 and 119-109. FightNights.com had it 117-111 in favor of Foster. Vargas, who was attempting to win a world title in his third weight class, suffered the first defeat of his professional career.

The 29-year-old Foster (20-2, 11 KOs) has now won 10 straight fights since his second loss in 2016, a point in his career where it seemed that he would amount to nothing more than a prospect. However, Foster refused to accept it and grinded his way to become a world champion. He explained his secret following his triumph over Vargas.

“Dedication and hard work. I’ve got a great team around me, and just getting away from the distractions, getting myself mentally and physically right, and now I’m on top, man. It’s crazy,” Foster said.

Vargas gave up a key advantage that he held over other fighters at 122 and 126 and that was reach. He simply couldn't get his jab going as the bigger, more aggressive Foster consistently beat him to the punch, and kept him on the back foot.