Promoter Antonio Leonard has dismissed claims from WBC junior lightweight champion O’Shaquie Foster regarding past sparring sessions with Shakur Stevenson, asserting that Stevenson dominated every encounter between the two. Speaking on June 1, 2026, Leonard countered Foster’s recent narrative that the training sessions were one-sided in his own favor, claiming instead that Shakur Stevenson frequently forced O’Shaquie Foster to quit during their gym battles.
The dispute follows a heated in-ring confrontation between the two fighters after Foster’s successful title defense against Raymond Ford in Houston.
The bad blood stems from sessions that took place more than five years ago, but the details have become a focal point as the fighters move toward a potential collision. Antonio Leonard, who co-promotes Stevenson and has managed icons like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Andre Ward, insisted he was a witness to the sessions. He stated that the “truth” is far different from Foster’s version, claiming that Stevenson’s skill level was simply too high for the current 130-pound titleholder to handle even in a gym setting.
Shakur Stevenson, the current WBO and Ring Magazine super lightweight champion, was ringside at the Fertitta Center on May 30 to support his teammate Raymond Ford. After Foster secured a majority decision victory with scores of 118-110, 116-112, and 114-114, he immediately targeted Stevenson. The resulting face-to-face exchange saw Stevenson call Foster a “bum” and promise a knockout, while Foster taunted back by claiming he had previously made Stevenson quit during their old sparring matches.
Antonio Leonard defends the reputation of Shakur Stevenson
The defense from Leonard was swift and uncompromising. He argued that O’Shaquie Foster is not in the same conversation as the elite fighters he has worked with throughout his career. Leonard placed Shakur Stevenson alongside Floyd Mayweather and Andre Ward as the three best fighters he has ever seen. According to Leonard, Foster was “whupped” every time they shared a ring and often looked for a way out when the pressure from Stevenson became too intense.
Some boxing purists argue that sparring stories carry little weight in a professional fight, much like the details of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua sparring from years ago. However, in this instance, the training history is being used as psychological groundwork for a major title fight. Leonard’s comments were designed to strip away the confidence Foster gained from his win over Ford, suggesting that no amount of professional growth can bridge the gap between Foster and Stevenson.
Foster, who now holds a professional record of 25-3, remains adamant that he was the superior man in the gym. He told reporters that he does not tell lies and that the sessions were one-sided in his favor. This contradiction is typical of the “gym legend” stories that often precede massive bouts, especially when one fighter is trying to prove they belong on the pound-for-pound list alongside a four-division champion like Stevenson.
The weight class hurdle for a potential showdown
While the verbal sparring is reaching a boiling point, a physical fight requires navigating significant weight differences. Shakur Stevenson recently took the 140-pound belts from Teofimo Lopez and appears settled at super lightweight. O’Shaquie Foster currently campaigns at 130 pounds, but he has expressed a willingness to move up to 135 or even 140 to make the Stevenson fight a reality, seeking the biggest payday and prestige possible.
Stevenson has been vocal about his desire for “big fights only,” previously dismissing Foster as a “McDonald’s-level” opponent who lacks the drawing power to headline a major event. Despite these insults, the intensity of their recent confrontation suggests that the personal nature of the rivalry might outweigh the financial concerns. Stevenson verbally accepted the challenge in the ring, though no official contracts have been signed as of early June 2026.
If the fight fails to materialize, both men have other daunting options. Foster could look toward a unification bout with IBF champion Emanuel Navarrete. Meanwhile, Stevenson remains a target for the sport’s biggest names, as Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez continue to dominate the headlines surrounding the upper echelons of the sport. The choice for Stevenson may come down to whether he wants to settle a personal grudge or continue his pursuit of undisputed status in a fifth weight class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Antonio Leonard and O’Shaquie Foster disagreeing over sparring?
The disagreement focuses on training sessions from over five years ago. O’Shaquie Foster claims he dominated Shakur Stevenson, while Antonio Leonard asserts that Stevenson “whupped” Foster and made him want to quit. Both sides are using these stories to build leverage and interest in a potential professional fight between the two world champions.
What happened when Shakur Stevenson and O’Shaquie Foster met in the ring?
Following Foster’s victory over Raymond Ford on May 30, 2026, Foster called out Stevenson, who was ringside. Stevenson entered the ring and the two had to be separated by security after an intense exchange of insults. Stevenson called Foster a “bum” and promised a knockout, while Foster repeated his claims about their past sparring sessions.
What titles do the two fighters currently hold?
Shakur Stevenson is currently the WBO and Ring Magazine super lightweight (140 lbs) champion, having recently moved up in weight. O’Shaquie Foster is the WBC junior lightweight (130 lbs) champion. For them to fight, Foster would likely need to move up at least one weight class to meet Stevenson at a catchweight or the full 140-pound limit.
