Foster rolls the dice by taking on McGrail

Foster sways away from Rhys Edwards. Pic: Lawrence Lustig/Boxxer

BRAD Foster, the former British champ blessed with magical moves and razor-sharp reflexes, is to roll the dice for the biggest gamble of his career.

Ten months after tasting highly controversial defeat, Foster attempts to re-establish himself at the highest level by beating Peter McGrail, Liverpool’s former elite, all conquering amateur.

The pair clash at London’s Copperbox Arena on September 28.

It’s a big risk capable of delivering big rewards. And Lichfield’s Foster should be applauded for immediately diving back in the deep end. No warm-ups, no mark-time six or eight rounders.

Southpaw McGrail was a very special amateur. He won an ABA title, collected gold at the European championships and Commonwealth Games, bronze at the world championships and fought in the 2020 Olympics.

The 28-year-old is now being groomed for professional stardom by Matchroom. He has won nine of 10, the sole loss coming in his US debut. McGrail was dominating Ja’Rico O’Quinn, dropping him in the second and fourth, before complacency and over-confidence ruined his big night. He was sparked out by a big right hand in the fifth.

That was a painful lesson learnt.

Foster, who turned pro at just 18 as a flyweight, romped through the domestic rankings. He was British champ in his 11th bout, gained outright ownership of the Lonsdale Belt and seemed simply unstoppable.

A highly controversial title loss to Jason Cunningham and two other arguable defeats followed. I felt the decision given to Welsh prospect Rhys Edwards last time out was an injustice.

Now the 26-year-old makes a bold bid to get back to where he believes he belongs.

Surprisingly the bout is made at super-bantam – a weight class those around the ex-champ said he’d vacated. He was, they said, moving to feather.

Manager PJ Rowson explained the rationale. “We have to look at the options that are right for Brad. With his credentials and what he has already achieved, it is about what opportunities are there.

“He (McGrail) is ranked number three at super-bantam. This made more sense than fighting also-rans at featherweight.

“It’s not without risk, it is a very serious fight, but it will put Brad back at the top of the rankings. If he is going to go where I believe his is going to go, these are the fights he needs.”

Rowson admitted: “It’s a very tough return, it’s no walk in the park. It is one of the toughest fights Brad has ever had. It is a very good contest for boxing enthusiast like you and I. It is about opportunities and seizing those opportunities when they come along.

“Brad Foster has never shied away from anyone, Brad Foster has never said ‘no’ to anyone.”

The bad breaks had left Brad bruised, but the McGrail bout has stoked the fire in his belly.

“I think the bad decisions had taken their toll,” Rowson added. “There were fights where I felt he could’ve done more, but he didn’t need to. There was no need for that extra exertion.

“He’s back and he is doing well in the spars. He has always had the talent.”