Brad Foster (14-2-2, 5 KOs) suffered the second defeat in a row when he lost by unanimous decision to Ionut Baluta, at York Hall, last Friday night.
‘The Blade’ had suffered the same fate seven months earlier against Jason Cunningham, with the British, Commonwealth and European super bantamweight titles at stake.
On both occasions, Foster believes he has done enough to win. A case can be made for his victory over Cunningham, as there were several rotations throughout the fight.
However, Baluta appeared to be the well-deserved winner, as Foster was unable to establish his rhythm against the Romanian seesaw.
Foster’s amateurish inexperience forced him to learn on the job. The fact that he has won British and Commonwealth titles, as well as a good rating of himself at European level, in just 18 matches is remarkable.
The 24-year-old has already demonstrated a willingness to take on all of those coming, so he didn’t look carefully matched at the start of the rebuilding process.
Here are five potential opponents Foster could face as he looks to make his way back into the title fray:
Joe Ham (17-3, 6 KOs)
The 30-year-old has solid amateur roots, having represented Scotland at the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games, however, the Glasala has failed to replicate his success. as a professional footballer. Ham beat the people he expected, and failed when he stepped up in the class against Tyrone McCullagh, Qais Ashfaq and Jack Bateson. The aforementioned trio all had distinguished careers in the unpaid ranks, and given Foster’s lack of experience, perhaps Ham would prefer his changes to secure a career-defining win. Foster will believe he has beaten super boxers, but the Scotsman will represent a test, although a ‘The Blade’ will be expected to pass.
Chris Bourke (10-1, 6 KOs)
Nampaw punches big kicks that have traveled in Foster’s slide line. Bourke handled general rival James Beech Jr with more ease than ‘The Blade’. The Londoner then challenged for the vacant British super bantamweight title previously owned by Foster, before losing to Cunningham. The Londoner’s title tilt was ultimately unsuccessful, as he lost by unanimous decision against Marc Leach. Bourke and Foster both fight under the Queensberry Ad banner, and Frank Warren has shown a willingness to pit his fighters against each other in the past. If Foster’s ultimate goal is to take on Jason Cunningham again, facing a southern player first will increase his chances of success if he secures a rematch.
Terry Le Couviour (16-1, 2 KOs)
In many ways, Le Couviour is the perfect opponent that the boxer has to face after consecutive losses. The French boxer has a good track record, though against low-level opponents, as a light heavyweight, with a style that can match Foster and is trailed only by Jason Cunningham. ‘The Blade’ could make a claim if he can stop Le Couviour faster than the six rounds the European champions have to send challengers. At the moment, it’s unlikely there are many lucrative options for Le Couviour, which could make a fight with Foster an attractive option.
Ramez Mahmood (12-2, 2 KOs)
The world’s hardest math teacher, Ebanie Bridges may disagree, but I support the statement. Mahmood was not afraid to take on challenges, the direct confrontations with Chris Bourke and Jack Bateson who were unbeaten at that time were proof of that. As such, ‘Mathematician’ could hardly dodge a duel with Foster. The 27-year-old player was unsuccessful before the aforementioned match, but ensured that both were competitive, winning and losing decisively from time to time. Foster will be a strong contender against Mahmood, but it’s unlikely to have things his way. In many ways, the fight back to the ideal.
Michael Ramabeleta (18-19, 8 KOs)
The Preston-based South African boxer is a better boxer than he is. Ramabeleta never made things easy, often engaging in teamfights in short intervals and almost exclusively in the away corner. ‘The Troublemaker’ previously faced two boxers who have won world titles; Kal Yafai and Paul Butler. However, at the age of 40, surely Ramabeleta’s best days are behind him. A two-fight loss, against Chris Bourke and Brett Fidoe, certainly didn’t give Ramabeleta a chance to land in a fight with Foster, but in his favor, he was cheap, willing and likely to lose; The Holy Trinity is for matchmakers. Arguably, Fidoe would have been the better choice, as he held the draw in 2017 and registered two wins in a row, but his 17-69-5 record is a pick. picks are much harder to sell, especially if Foster’s return is scheduled near the top of the bill.
