We have a title fight on our hands this Saturday, February 11th in San Antonio as Rey Vargas and O'Shaquie Foster battle it out for the vacant junior lightweight belt in what should be a thrilling bout. Vargas will be looking to become a three-belt champion here, previously winning the super-bantamweight and featherweight crowns. While Foster hasn't yet won a belt, he'll be a very difficult opponent for the Mexican here. Find the Vargas vs Foster picks below.
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Rey Vargas vs O'Shaquie Foster Odds
Despite the difference in accolades, there is really no clear favorite here. Both fighters have similar odds at all three sportsbooks. This is also a home fight for Foster, who hails from Texas. Vargas meanwhile is from Mexico City.
Preview
Although Vargas and Foster aren't big names, they are undoubtedly some of the best boxers in this weight class. Vargas has a very decorated resume, with the two titles and a ridiculous 36-o record with 22 knockouts. the 32-year-old packs quite the punch in his small frame. He won his very first title way back in 2016 and defended it five times before moving up a weight class only to also conquer the WBC featherweight in July of last year, beating Mark Magsayo, who was unbeaten until that fight. Even with several injuries and COVID-19 between the two titles, Vargas never wavered and continued to stay prepared. He's now got the chance to do something that not many fighters have ever done: Become a champion in three different weight classes. And we're talking about a very exclusive group that includes legends like Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr, and Erik Morales. In his career, he's averaged a fight time of just over six rounds.
Foster is a formidable opponent who has been patiently waiting for his chance to contest for a belt, holding the silver super featherweight title since 2018. After Shakur Stevenson left the division, it gave the Texan an opportunity to prove himself on the biggest stage. This is definitely a long time coming, too. He's won nine fights in a row and is up to 19-2 in his career with 11 knockouts. Last time out in March of 2022, Foster handed Muhammadkhuja Iskandarovich Yaqubov his first loss, beating him in 12 rounds via unanimous decision. Prior to that, Foster knocked out Miguel Roman in 2020 in Los Angeles. He does have a size advantage when it comes to overall thickness, but Vargas is a couple of inches taller. There's a lot at stake here for Foster, who wants to show that he belongs. But, the Mexican is a very smart and experienced fighter who has never lost. Can he take out another unbeaten opponent? Only time will tell.
Vargas vs Foster picks
This is honestly a toss-up, which is likely why the odds are so even for both Vargas and Foster. With that being said, I just think the experience shines through here for the veteran. Foster isn't the roughest boxer and likes to use his technical abilities in the ring. Unfortunately, Vargas thrives against opponents like that. What I'm eyeing here for a bet is the Vargas moneyline, but also the under 10.5 rounds. They each average well under seven rounds in their careers. I have a difficult time believing this bout goes the full 12 rounds. It'll probably be over by the eighth or ninth.
Vargas will capture his third title in a third weight class and put himself in special company.
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