By: Sean Crose
Gervonta Davis. Vasyl Lomachenko. Devin Haney. Teofimo Lopez. These males are all within the normal weight realm of WBC light-weight champion Shakur Stevenson. With a report of twenty-one wins towards zero losses, the twenty-seven 12 months 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 thought to be probably the most proficient fighters on the planet. Extremely expert and at occasions enthralling, the product of Newark, New Jersey, is nice – excellent – 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 combat – a twelve spherical snooze fest towards Edwin De Los Santos final November – that really raised eyebrows. Whereas there was little question Stevenson masterfully bested De Los Santos that evening, the query of why Stevenson didn’t step it up and cease De Los Santos throughout the distance, or at the least look actually engaged, began making the rounds. Stevenson himself admitted he was sad along with his efficiency. Boxing, being a enterprise at the least as a lot as it’s a sport, doesn’t smile on fighters who don’t generate some form of pleasure both in or out of the ring. Stevenson, greater than anybody, is aware of he has to on the very least entertain as a way to earn the form of fame and challenges he needs.
A technique for Stevenson to generate the form of buzz that attracts in eyeballs and accolades is for the Prime Rank promoted fighter to impress this weekend when he takes on Artem Harutyunyan Saturday evening in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey. Germany’s Harutyunan boasts a report of twelve and one, having solely tasted defeat for the primary time his final combat, the place he was decisioned by Frank Martin. In different phrases, Harutyunyan is not any tomato can. The thirty-three 12 months previous picks his photographs effectively and possesses energy regardless of the actual fact his report 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, nevertheless, will assist the multi division titlist be that a lot tougher for different high fighters to keep away from. It’s time the person is in a significant matchup. With each Lopez and Lomachenko combating below the Prime Rank banner, that main matchup may very well be nearer than it appears.
