The Problem with the 3-Division Champ
By Eddie Sanchez
Shakur Stevenson entered his fight against Edwin De Los Santos looking to make a statement as his star grows brighter with future fights against Tank Davis and Devin Haney living in the near realm of possibility.
Now, as he won a title in a third weight class, his stock is down after one of the worst main events in recent memory. Stevenson offered no excuses after he defeated De Los Santos via scores of 116-112 (x 2) and 115-113, in a lightweight title fight where neither fighter reached double-digit connects in any of the 12 rounds.
“I didn’t feel good before the fight,” he continued. “Honestly, I had already told myself that if I feel like this in the ring and if it’s not going well, I’m going to make sure that I box and get the victory.”
“I don’t got nothing to say about that,” he said. “I don’t make excuses. It happens. We go through a lot as fighters.”
Despite Stevenson reaching historic accomplishments, he was met with criticism from Devin Haney and fan sentiment is down.
Stevenson is an incredible defensive fighter. He routinely subjects his opponents to their worst connect-rate performances, though he is often unable to capitalize with his own power.
The former Olympic Silver medalist is (21 – 0, 10 KO) in the professional ranks, and his lack of “one-punch” punching power has led to criticism from many in the sport.
While many (uneducated) fans will point to Mayweather as a prime example of a boxing tactician reaching the peak of boxing’s popularity without power punching potential, Mayweather’s career in the sport must be looked at with a careful eye to truly understand why he is a poor comparisson for Shakur.
Mayweather was a world-beater from super featherweight to super lightweight. At welterweight and super welterweight Mayweather dealt with chronic hand issues and was subjected to severe height and weight disadvantages following fighter rehydrations.
When Mayweather was Shakurs age, he was one of the most entertaining fighters in the sport. To separate them further, Mayweather was a commercial success because of his charisma.
In the grand scheme of things, Shakur will be fine. He will continue to win fights and will likely proceed as champion in another one or two weight classes.
As a fan, let’s hope that he finds ways to be more aggressive as a fighter to build his popularity. His talent can’t be questioned, but without punching power and a lack of charisma, he will be more of a Shawn Porter than Adrien Broner in the box office.
