By: Sean Crose
Gervonta Davis. Vasyl Lomachenko. Devin Haney. Teofimo Lopez. These males are all within the basic weight realm of WBC light-weight champion Shakur Stevenson. With a file of twenty-one wins in opposition to zero losses, the twenty-seven yr previous Stevenson could be a excessive profile opponent for any of the aforementioned names. Stevenson is extra than simply an undefeated titlist, in spite of everything. He’s considered one of the crucial proficient fighters on the planet. Extremely expert and at instances enthralling, the product of Newark, New Jersey, is nice – superb – maybe too good for his personal good.
Stevenson, in spite of everything, has been accused of being a boring fighter. But, although he’s not a knockout artist, it was the person’s final battle – a twelve spherical snooze fest in opposition to Edwin De Los Santos final November – that actually raised eyebrows. Whereas there was little question Stevenson masterfully bested De Los Santos that night time, the query of why Stevenson didn’t step it up and cease De Los Santos throughout the distance, or a minimum of look really engaged, began making the rounds. Stevenson himself admitted he was sad along with his efficiency. Boxing, being a enterprise a minimum of as a lot as it’s a sport, doesn’t smile on fighters who don’t generate some sort of pleasure both in or out of the ring. Stevenson, greater than anybody, is aware of he has to on the very least entertain so as to earn the sort of fame and challenges he desires.
A method for Stevenson to generate the sort of buzz that attracts in eyeballs and accolades is for the High Rank promoted fighter to impress this weekend when he takes on Artem Harutyunyan Saturday night time in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey. Germany’s Harutyunan boasts a file of twelve and one, having solely tasted defeat for the primary time his final battle, the place he was decisioned by Frank Martin. In different phrases, Harutyunyan is not any tomato can. The thirty-three yr previous picks his photographs effectively and possesses energy regardless of the actual fact his file of getting simply seven knockout wins doesn’t point out as a lot.
In fact, a loss to Harutyunyan could be disastrous for Stevenson at this level in his profession. A formidable win, nonetheless, will assist the multi division titlist be that a lot tougher for different prime fighters to keep away from. It’s time the person is in a serious matchup. With each Lopez and Lomachenko combating underneath the High Rank banner, that main matchup may very well be nearer than it appears.
