Steven Foster II, Mikey Garcia, and Steven Foster Sr. in Oxnard in September 2013 (Photo: Chris Robinson – www.HustleBoss.com)

By Chris Robinson

When I first met young Steven Foster II, also known as “Lil Stevie” around boxing circles, I instantly could tell that he had talent that was and is undeniable.

That was in July of 2013, as I chronicled Steven working out inside of the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas. And while out visit was brief, I knew that we would eventually cross paths again.

In late September of that year I again linked up with Steven and his father down in the boxing hotbed of Oxnard in Southern California. The Fosters were in town for the local PAL tournament and it was during this trip that we truly connected.

I can definitely say Steven opened my eyes to a different side of the sport of boxing by letting me into the amateur fighting world where he currently resides in.

As several amateurs from across the country were in town for this event, I was able to really, finally soak up a different side of the game. It wasn’t about the money or fame; it was about camaraderie and chasing a dream.

Despite being so young, just 11 years old at the time, I could tell that Steven was already levels ahead of the game both mentally and physically. These traits were on display when he worked out at the nearby Robert Garcia Boxing Academy.

When inside of the gym, Foster instantly cliqued with Garcia’s whole camp, from his brother and two-division world champion Mikey, to his assistant trainer Donald Leary, strength and conditioning coach Cecilio Flores, the always gregarious Brandon Rios, and several others.

“What I remember most in Robert Garcia gym was the unity,” Steven recently reflected. “No one was better than the other. Even the kids; they all trained together and had fun doing it. I noticed how Robert let the other trainers and his younger son help run the gym. They were all good, fun people to be around and didn’t mind sharing their knowledge.”

Some lively sparring rounds with the camp’s upcoming prospect ‘Toquez’ showed off how dynamic Foster could be when called to perform.

As the months have passed, I haven’t been around Steven as much as I would like but the communication has still been constant.

I am proud to say that HustleBoss.com will be hosting the upcoming series “Lil Steven’s World Of Boxing”, which will take viewers behind the scenes to showcase some of the deepest and most meaningful stories that haven’t caught the public’s eye.

“Real stories, real fighters,” Steven told me when discussing the concept for this series.

Stay tuned for more.

Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com