Brad Foster (born 22 February 1997) is a British professional boxer from Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. He has competed primarily in the super-bantamweight division, where he held the British and Commonwealth super-bantamweight titles. Known by the nickname "The Blade," Foster is recognized for his technical boxing style, high work rate, and durability.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Born and raised in Lichfield, Brad Foster began boxing at a young age. He had a successful amateur career, competing in various national competitions before deciding to turn professional.
Professional Career
Foster made his professional debut on 19 September 2015, securing a points victory over Shaun William Coakley. He quickly established himself as a promising talent, building an undefeated record in his early fights.
British and Commonwealth Titles
Foster's career breakthrough came in 2019.
- On 8 March 2019, he defeated Commonwealth super-bantamweight champion Ashley Lane by unanimous decision, claiming his first major professional title.
- Just two months later, on 17 May 2019, Foster faced Josh Wale for the vacant British super-bantamweight title. In a closely contested bout, Foster emerged victorious via a split decision, adding the prestigious British title to his collection and becoming a unified champion.
Title Defenses
Foster went on to defend his British and Commonwealth titles multiple times against formidable opponents:
- His first defense was against Lucien Reid on 22 February 2020, resulting in a unanimous decision victory.
- He successfully defended his titles again on 26 September 2020, defeating James Beech Jr. by unanimous decision.
Loss to Gamal Yafai
On 13 February 2021, Foster faced Gamal Yafai for his British and Commonwealth titles. In a tough fight, Foster suffered his first professional defeat, losing a unanimous decision to Yafai, who captured the titles.
Comeback and Further Challenges
Foster bounced back from his first loss, securing an IBF International super-bantamweight title shot.
- On 18 September 2021, he defeated Ionut Baluta via unanimous decision to win the vacant IBF International super-bantamweight title.
- He later challenged Jason Cunningham for the European super-bantamweight title on 13 May 2022, losing by unanimous decision in another competitive contest.
- His most recent high-profile bout saw him challenge Franck Petitjean for the vacant IBF International Super-Bantamweight title on 11 November 2023, where he lost via split decision.
Fighting Style
Brad Foster is known for his slick, technical boxing ability, often described as a pure boxer. He possesses excellent footwork, head movement, and a high defensive guard, allowing him to evade punches while delivering quick combinations. His ability to maintain a high work rate throughout fights has been a hallmark of his career.
Professional Boxing Record
(As of late 2023)
- Total Fights: 22
- Wins: 16
- Losses: 5
- Draws: 1
- Knockouts: 6
Titles Held
- British Super-Bantamweight Title
- Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title
- IBF International Super-Bantamweight Title