O’Shaquie Foster vs. Abraham Nova: Live updates, round-by-round scoring, Foster wins by split decision

Live results update – Foster won SD-12 over Nova (115-112, 116-111, 113-114). Foster retains his WBC junior lightweight title.

Top Rank and ESPN bring boxing fans another night of action as WBC junior lightweight champion O’Shaquie Foster takes on Abraham Nova this Friday, February 16. The bout will take place at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York. Live coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+.

Foster (21-2, 12 KOs) had a transcendent 2023, first knocking off former two-weight world champion Rey Vargas in February to capture the WBC junior lightweight belt. He then successfully defended the title by finishing Eduardo Hernandez via 12th-round TKO in October. The 30-year-old from Texas looks to extend his fight-winning streak to 12.

Nova (23-1, 16 KOs) also went undefeated last year, beating Adam Lopez by a unanimous decision in January and Jonathan Romero by a third-round KO in July. This will be Nova’s first title bout and arguably his biggest fight since his June 2022 contest against Robeisy Ramirez. Nova fell short as Ramirez knocked him out in the 5th round of that bout.

Foster is the betting favorite with -900 odds to win, while Nova enters as a +550 underdog. The favored method of victory is Foster to win by decision (-175), according to Drafkings Sportsbook.

O’Shaquie Foster vs. Abraham Nova round-by-round results

Round 1: Foster 10-9

Slow start for both. Feel out process as Foster steps toward the challenger. Nova springs together a double jab. Neither fighter landing much. Foster tries a wild right hook that misses. Foster gets the round for being the aggressor.

Round 2: Nova 10-9 (19-19)

Nova lands the first meaningful punch of the fight, a high right hand. Double jab again from Nova. Now Nova stepping forward more and applying more pressure. Good right hand from Nova. Foster getting out worked this round.

Round 3: Foster 10-9 (Foster 29-28)

Foster switches to southpaw and it throws Nova off a bit. Counter left from Foster connects right on the button.

Round 4: Nova 10-9 (38-38)

Foster starting to tee off from his southpaw stance. Overhand right from Nova connects. Nice combo from Nova and he now lands to the body. Back and forth outing so far, as Nova steps up to take this one.

Round 5: Foster 10-9 (Foster 48-47)

Nova misses a right hand to the body. Nova trying to split the guard of Foster. Things are getting more physical. Foster’s defense improving as Nova eats a counter right hand from the champion. Another close one but edge goes to Foster.

Round 6: Foster 10-9 (Foster 58-56)

Foster comes up early with a nice combo. Left jab connects clean for the champion. Right hook to the body for Foster. Counter right partially lands for Foster.

Round 7: Foster 10-9 (Foster 68-65)

Counter left hook and Nova seems unfazed but it landed. Nova now letting some punches go. Foster now using his counter punching ability. Nova leans Foster on the ropes but little to nothing lands for him.

Round 8: Foster 10-9 (Foster 78-74)

Uh-oh Foster is letting his hands fly and Nova seems gassed. Four punch combo from the champion and he’s heating up it seems. Ref letting them tie up for quite some time. Foster has cut on his lip.

Round 9: Foster 10-9 (Foster 88-83)

Nova tries to press forward but missing any chance at hurting Foster. Lead right hand from Foster and Nova needs to cover up some more.

Round 10: Foster 10-9 (Foster 98-92)

Nova now reluctant to throw anything. Right hand over the top again from Foster. Now a left jab. Nova responds with a right hand of his own. On to the championships rounds!

Round 11: Foster 10-9 (Foster 108-101)

Counter right again from Foster and his head movement has been forcing Nova to miss all night. Now a bunch of hugging and tugging. Nova punching but his head is down not looking to see where his hands are going. Wild exchange to end but once again Foster landing a timely counter.

Round 12: Foster 10-8 (Foster 118-109)

Foster shaking his right hand and favoring it. Announcers alluding to an exchange in the fifth where he might’ve injured it. Nova still trying and this is his first time making it to the 12th round. With 20 seconds on the clock Foster sneaks in a nice counter left and gets a knockdown. That seals the fight!