Bob Foster avatar image
Bob Foster professional boxer headshot

Bob Foster
"The Deputy Sheriff"

56

Wins

8

Losses

1

Draws

None

KO%
  • Birth Name: Bobby Wayne Foster
  • Birth Place: Contribute
  • Born: April 27, 1942
  • Died: Contribute
  • Age: 81
  • Height: 6′ 3″
  • Weight: Contribute
  • Reach: 79″
  • Stance: Orthodox
  • Pro Debut: March 27, 1961
  • Nationality: USA
  • Status: Inactive
  • Manager: Contribute
  • Promoter: Contribute
  • Total Bouts: 65
  • Total Rounds: 352

Bob Foster was an American professional boxer who enjoyed a career spanning over 17 years from 1961 to 1978. He started his career at the age of 18, having his first professional fight against Duke Williams, whom he defeated via a 2nd round KO. Foster then went on to win 8 more consecutive fights that included 4 wins via stoppage. After his long and successful career, Bob Foster retired with an admirable record of 56-8-1, which included 46 knockout victories and 6 defeats via knockout.

Foster was a four-time world titleholder in his career where he won the World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Council (WBC), and The Ring light-heavyweight world titles. He had a total of 65 fights and had some of the best wins in his 56 victories. His four world title wins and 13 title defenses against some of the biggest names in boxing have cemented his name in boxing history as a true legend.

On May 24, 1968, Bob Foster had his first world-title fight against Dick Tiger for the light-heavyweight WBA, WBC, and The Ring titles. The fight was scheduled for 15 rounds, but Foster put an end to the fight in the 4th round with a KO win. This victory against Tiger made Foster the new undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world.

Bob Foster's incredible talent and punching power allowed him to enjoy a long reign as a light-heavyweight champion. He successfully defended his titles against some of the biggest names in boxing during his time, including Hal Carroll, Brian Kelly, and Roger Rouse. Among his notable victories included a particularly impressive win over Hall-of-Famer Dick Tiger.

Foster had a distinctive fighting style that helped him become one of the greatest boxing champions of all time. He was known for his fighting style that focused heavily on the left jab and his ability to end fights with one punch. He was also recognized for his exceptional footwork and ring generalship, which helped him stay in control of the fight. It was due to these specific traits that Foster was able to dominate in the ring and terminate fights with one powerful punch.

Foster won his second world title on April 7, 1972, after defeating Vicente Rondón in a 2nd round KO. This win allowed him to become the undisputed light-heavyweight champion, obtaining the WBA, WBC, and The Ring light-heavyweight world-champion belts. His reign as the light-heavyweight champion continued, and he successfully defended his title against the likes of Mike Quarry, Andy Kendall, and Frank DePaula.

Bob Foster was greatly admired and respected by his fans for his exceptional ring performances which earned him the reputation of one of the best fighters to ever grace the light-heavyweight division. His fights were widely watched and were known to be fast-paced and full of action, leaving his fans at the edge of their seats.

While he had several remarkable wins and defenses, Foster also suffered some losses during his career. He had a total of 8 losses, including one in a title bout against Joe Frazier. He suffered six losses via knockout and two defeats via decision. His first loss was to Doug Jones via 8th round TKO on October 20, 1962. More details about his losses can be found in “All of Bob Foster’s losses.”

Bob Foster retired from professional boxing at the age of 36, having his final fight on June 2, 1978, against Bob Hazelton. Unfortunately, Foster lost the non-title rematch via a 2nd round TKO. However, despite his last loss, he left behind an impressive legacy that continues to inspire up-and-coming boxers today.

Bob Foster's legacy lives on as one of the greatest light-heavyweight champions in boxing history. His outstanding performances in the ring have earned him deserved recognition, and he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. He will forever be remembered for his exceptional talent, undeniable power, and impressive career as one of the greatest boxers in history.

Bob Foster Fight Record

# Date Age Opponent Result Via
65 Jun 2, 1978 36 Bob Hazelton Loss TKO2
64 Feb 9, 1978 35 Mustafa Wassaja Loss RTD5
63 Sep 2, 1977 35 Bob Hazelton Win KO10
62 Sep 25, 1976 34 Al Bolden Win KO6
61 Aug 28, 1976 34 Harold Carter Win UD
60 May 8, 1976 34 Al Bolden Win KO3
59 Jun 28, 1975 33 Bill Hardney Win KO3
58 Jun 17, 1974 32 Jorge Ahumada Draw SD
57 Dec 1, 1973 31 Pierre Fourie Win UD
56 Aug 21, 1973 31 Pierre Fourie Win UD
55 Nov 21, 1972 30 Muhammad Ali Loss KO8
54 Sep 26, 1972 30 Chris Finnegan Win KO14
53 Jun 27, 1972 30 Mike Quarry Win KO4
52 Apr 7, 1972 29 Vicente Rondón Win ⭐️ KO2
51 Dec 16, 1971 29 Brian Kelly Win TKO3
50 Oct 30, 1971 29 Tommy Hicks Win TKO8
49 Aug 17, 1971 29 Vernon McIntosh Win TKO3
48 Apr 24, 1971 28 Ray Anderson Win UD
47 Mar 2, 1971 28 Hal Carroll Win TKO4
46 Nov 18, 1970 28 Joe Frazier Loss KO2
45 Jun 27, 1970 28 Mark Tessman Win TKO10
44 Apr 4, 1970 27 Roger Rouse Win TKO4
43 Mar 9, 1970 27 Roy Wallace Win KO6
42 Feb 24, 1970 27 Bill Hardney Win TKO4
41 Nov 2, 1969 27 Chuck Leslie Win TKO5
40 Jun 19, 1969 27 Levan Roundtree Win TKO4
39 May 24, 1969 27 Andy Kendall Win TKO4
38 Jan 22, 1969 26 Frank DePaula Win TKO1
37 Sep 9, 1968 26 Roger Rouse Win TKO5
36 Aug 26, 1968 26 Eddie Vick Win TKO9
35 Jul 29, 1968 26 Charley Polite Win TKO3
34 May 24, 1968 26 Dick Tiger Win ⭐️ KO4
33 Dec 5, 1967 25 Sonny Moore Win KO5
32 Nov 20, 1967 25 Eddie Vick Win UD
31 Oct 25, 1967 25 Levan Roundtree Win KO8
30 Jun 9, 1967 25 Henry Matthews Win TKO2
29 May 8, 1967 25 Eddie Cotton Win KO3
28 Feb 27, 1967 24 Andres Antonio Selpa Win KO2
27 Jan 16, 1967 24 Jim Robinson Win KO1
26 Dec 6, 1966 24 LeRoy Green Win KO2
25 Dec 6, 1965 23 Zora Folley Loss UD
24 Jul 26, 1965 23 Henry Hank Win UD
23 May 24, 1965 23 Chuck Leslie Win TKO3
22 Mar 21, 1965 22 Dave Russell Win TKO6
21 Feb 15, 1965 22 Bobby Rascon Win KO2
20 Dec 11, 1964 22 Henry Hank Win TKO9
19 Nov 23, 1964 22 Norman Letcher Win TKO1
18 Nov 11, 1964 22 Don Quinn Win KO1
17 Jul 10, 1964 22 Ernie Terrell Loss TKO7
16 May 8, 1964 22 Allen Thomas Win TKO1
15 Feb 25, 1964 21 Dave Bailey Win KO1
14 Dec 11, 1963 21 Willi Besmanoff Win KO3
13 Nov 7, 1963 21 Mauro Mina Loss UD
12 Apr 29, 1963 21 Curtis Bruce Win KO4
11 Feb 18, 1963 20 Richard Benjamin Win KO1
10 Oct 20, 1962 20 Doug Jones Loss TKO8
9 Jun 27, 1962 20 Bert Whitehurst Win SD
8 May 19, 1962 20 Billy Tisdale Win TKO2
7 Dec 4, 1961 19 Clarence Floyd Win KO4
6 Nov 21, 1961 19 Ernie Knox Win TKO3
5 Aug 8, 1961 19 Floyd McCoy Win PTS
4 Jun 22, 1961 19 Ray Bryan Win TKO2
3 May 8, 1961 19 Billy Johnson Win PTS
2 Apr 3, 1961 18 Clarence Ryan Win PTS
1 Mar 27, 1961 18 Duke Williams Win KO2