Foster-Ford Undercard Takes Shape: Sheehy Faces Gonzalez in Matchroom Debut

Charlie Sheehy will face Jaret Gonzalez for the WBA NABA lightweight title on May 30 at the Fertitta Center in Houston, marking his first bout under a new promotional deal with Matchroom as the Foster-Ford undercard continues to take shape.

The contest will serve as the co-main event to O’Shaquie Foster’s WBC super-featherweight title defense against Raymond Ford, streaming live worldwide on DAZN. For Sheehy, the bout represents a series of firsts, including his Matchroom debut under Eddie Hearn and his first scheduled ten-round contest as a professional.

Sheehy, unbeaten in 12 fights, signed a long-term deal with Matchroom in April, returning to the promoter he debuted with in October 2021. His most recent outing saw him extend his record with a stoppage victory in November, and he enters the Gonzalez fight aiming to secure his first professional title while continuing a run of knockout wins.

“I’ve waited for this moment my whole life and I’m excited for the opportunity to fight for Matchroom and have the chance to get my first regional title as a professional,” said Sheehy. “I’m coming to make a statement. This is just the start of a much bigger run.”

Gonzalez targets upset after Cordina distance loss

Gonzalez enters the bout with experience against higher-level opposition, having gone the distance with former world champion Joe Cordina in July before returning to winning ways in October with a ten-round shutout victory over Martin Morales. The Mexican contender has framed the matchup as an opportunity to reassert his standing.

“I’m very excited about this opportunity to return on another Matchroom card and in Texas where there will be many Mexican and Mexican American fans coming out to support,” said Gonzalez. “I showed against Cordina in the UK that I am World-class, and Charlie is not on his level, or mine. He’s made a big mistake here and he’ll quickly understand that on May 30. Viva Mexico.”

The Houston card also features Olympic bronze medalist Omari Jones in his seventh professional outing, facing Alan Sanchez over eight rounds. Jones last boxed in March, completing eight rounds in a wide points win over Christian Gomez.

“This is another great opportunity to show my growth,” said Jones. “I’m coming to prove a point – on May 30, the Banger Show returns.”

Further down the card, Miguel Flores meets Javon Woodard Jr over ten rounds in the televised opener. Flores, a former world title challenger who pushed Leo Santa Cruz for the WBA super-featherweight title, enters the bout on a four-fight winning streak and fighting in his hometown.

“I am honored and privileged to be able to open the show for my stablemate ‘Shock’ Foster here in our hometown,” said Flores. “This is a huge night for the both of us and a huge night for the city of Houston. This is a make-or-break fight for me at this point in my career and there is no way I’m leaving the ring without my hand raised on May 30.”

The preliminary portion of the card includes unbeaten lightweight Zaquin Moses, who faces Travis Crawford in his seventh professional bout while training alongside Ford in Houston.

“When you talk about the future of boxing all you need to do is lay eyes on me,” said Moses. “Houston has become my home away from home and I’m excited to show out here on May 30.”

Sacramento prospect Frank Espinoza also features against Bryce Blackwell, while additional bouts include Jahyden Franklin Britton versus Najee West at super-middleweight and Julian Montalvo against Maximus Moya at super-featherweight.

“First and foremost, I want to thank God for this opportunity,” said Espinoza. “I am ready to deliver a career-defining performance on May 30. I’m grateful for this opportunity and proving that I belong among the elite in this sport.”

For Sheehy, the Gonzalez bout forms the first step in his Matchroom tenure following his recent signing, with the outcome set to determine how quickly he can move into contention and rankings at lightweight.