By: Sean Crose
He now has a sponsorship with Reebok. He additionally has no much less an entity than Hall of Fame fighter turned promoter Oscar De La Hoya claiming nobody desires to battle him. He’s even drawn consideration (albeit not all of it constructive) for his private pound for pound fighter listing. He is, undoubtedly, one of the crucial extremely regarded members within the up to date battle recreation. His title is Shakur Stevenson, he’s an undefeated light-weight who overtly helps his hometown of Newark, New Jersey, and he’s out there for a excessive finish throwdown with a significant opponent.
Before he can tackle one in every of boxing’s larger names, nevertheless, Stevenson has to get previous one Edwin De Los Santos, a bit of recognized however laborious hitting fighter who has received all however 1 of his 17 skilled bouts, in Vegas on November sixteenth. And though the 20-0 Stevenson is a surprise to observe within the ring and can little question be extremely favored come battle night time, it’s value retaining in thoughts that his match with De Los Santos will probably be for the WBC light-weight title – and that one must be a formidable fighter to even get a crack at a world title. In different phrases, De Los Santos isn’t any slouch, irrespective of how unheralded he may be.
With that being mentioned, there’s a motive Stevenson is the middle of a lot consideration. To watch the 26 yr outdated in motion is to see boxing that’s sharp, quick, crisp and disciplined. Yes, disciplined. Stevenson is in management when he’s in motion. He’s answerable for the ring, of his zipping southpaw jab, of his highly effective overhand proper, of his thudding left hook. Stevenson additionally has what’s generally known as the killer intuition. In different phrases, the psychological and bodily capability to shut the present when the second arises.
So, ought to (and “should” is the operative phrase right here) Stevenson prime De Los Santos on the sixteenth, who will he then face? The prospects are fascinating, to say the least. Gervonta Davis. Devin Haney. Naoya Inoue. These are names Stevenson might doubtlessly sq. off towards in excessive profile fights. Sadly, nevertheless, it’s nonetheless laborious to make the fights followers actually want as of late in boxing. Plus, if De La Hoya is correct and Stevenson is being prevented, the street may very well be a irritating one for Stevenson, at the very least within the quick time period. If, however…
