Shakur Stevenson Archives

BOXING

Shakur Stevenson Makes His Pick for Anticipated Fight Between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev

By Richie1 January 10, 2024

Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, names synonymous with power and skill, are on a collision course. It’s a fight brewing with anticipation, a potential light heavyweight blockbuster for the undisputed title. Amidst this, the current lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson, a keen observer and a rising star in the boxing universe, has thrown a curveball into the mix.

Without revealing his pick, Stevenson’s cryptic take has stirred the pot. Is it a prediction or a prophecy? Will this be an all-out brawl or a tactical masterclass?

Shakur isn’t in doubt

In a tweet that set the boxing world alight, Boxing Kingdom announced, “Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol is already signed, for KSA. The only obstacle is Callum Smith next weekend. This could implode like Joshua vs Wilder…” This revelation marks a significant moment in the light heavyweight division, as Bivol and Beterbiev are poised for a historical showdown. Bivol, holding the WBA (Super) and IBO light heavyweight titles, has displayed remarkable prowess in his recent defenses. Beterbiev, wielding the IBF, WBC, and WBO titles, stands as a formidable opponent, known for his knockout power and aggressive style.

Quick to respond, Shakur Stevenson, a rising star with a sharp eye for the sport, tweeted, “That’s a 🔥 fight.. I think I’m taking Bivol in that one”. Stevenson’s endorsement of Bivol brings an added layer of excitement to the bout. Bivol’s technical skill and strategic approach in the ring could be the key to countering Beterbiev’s aggressive, power-driven tactics.

The potential matchup between Bivol and Beterbiev isn’t just a fight; it’s a chess match with gloves, where every move could lead to a checkmate. The boxing world eagerly awaits this clash, where legacy and supremacy in the light heavyweight division are at stake.

The fight is already signed, but Callum Smith can spoil the plans.

Smith to derail Beterbiev’s path to Dmitry Bivol showdown

In a bold statement, Eddie Hearn, head of Matchroom Boxing, has predicted a surprising twist in the light heavyweight narrative. Speaking about the rescheduled bout between Callum Smith and Artur Beterbiev, Hearn stated, “He won’t get sanctioned to challenge for the World Title coming off a Callum Smith KO defeat.”

This prediction was revealed in a tweet after a fan urged Hearn to support the Bivol vs. Beterbiev fight. According to Hearn, when Smith and Beterbiev face off in Quebec City on January 11, he expects Smith to score a knockout victory. Such an outcome, Hearn suggests, would not only shock the boxing world but also jeopardize the much-anticipated clash between Beterbiev and Bivol.

Will Bivol and Beterbiev indeed face off in a legendary showdown? Or will Callum Smith’s potential upset rewrite the script entirely? What do you think? Will Beterbiev make it past Smith to face Bivol, or is an unexpected twist awaiting us in the ring? Share your thoughts

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BOXING

“He Won’t Stand a Chance Against the Elites”: Tearing Apart Shakur Stevenson’s ‘Superstar’ Image, Former Opponent Edwin De Los Santos Discusses Sugar’s Fate Against Gervonta Davis

By Richie1 January 3, 2024

Undoubtedly, the credit was his to take. After all, he became a world champion for the third time in a six-year-old career. However, Shakur Stevenson couldn’t escape the scathing criticism that turned up over his performance despite winning unanimously against Edwin De Los Santos.

Given that many project him as an upcoming star of boxing, he had to endure a whole lot of questions. So while he upscales himself for bigger paydays in the new year, many believe that he might still not be ready to take on challenges of such stature. Among them, Stevenson’s last opponent, Edwin De Los Santos, believes too much is being made of his skills. In front of an A-lister, he might have no hope.

Shakur Stevenson will buckle against a topliner, says Edwin De Los Santos

So speaking to ‘Millcity Boxing’, De Los Santos said that it was listless when asked for his opinion on the bout. He said, “You know it was a very, very boring fight. You know the guy came to survive.” Then he further added, “It wasn’t what we expected of him. Everybody got him; ‘so’-called’ he’s a superstar.” The host then asked, “How do you think he does with ‘Tank’?”

Edwin De Los Santos replied, “He won’t stand a chance with the guys [that] are the elites; like the real elites, he won’t stand a chance.” The Dominican boxer’s tirade against a boxer who inflicted his second career loss is understandable.

Even during the in-ring post-fight interview, he slammed the American boxer. He said, “You know what? I came to fight; he came for a track meet, and I wouldn’t say that I’m on his level; I say I’m above his level because I came to fight tonight. I came to put on a fight, and Shakur Stevenson decided not to fight…”

If truth be told, in each round of their match, neither Stevenson nor De Los Santos landed punches that counted more than a single digit. No wonder, for a twelve-round fight, the bout earned an unpleasant distinction. It was a match with the lowest number of thrown strikes, establishing a new CompuBox record. But statistics aside, perhaps reputationally, ‘Sugar’ received the lion’s share of criticism.

Rumination needed, or ‘Sugar’ remains as good as ever?

So when he criticized Stevenson, did De Los Santos mean that he wasn’t aggressive enough to swarm up and fight? Or does it have anything to do with his boxing prowess per se? Though appreciated for his jabs, in-ring movement, and innate ability to avoid punches, many slam Shakur Stevenson for a safety-first approach. Thus, his fighting style often gets labeled as spiritless and dull.

Opportunities are galore for Stevenson to become the next big name in boxing. However, some feel that he has to crank up his game. He fought eight bouts during the last three years. But the wins split equally between early stoppages and decisions. Notwithstanding the risks involved, a little self-introspection might help to determine if he should take a more aggressive approach in the ring.

What’s your take on De Los Santos’s statement? Do you agree with him that Shakur Stevenson is barely a match against top-end fighters?

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BOXING

NEW UPDATE: Who is Devin Haney’s potential next opponent if not Gervonta Davis, Teofimo Lopez, or Shakur Stevenson?

By Richie1 December 11, 2023

Devin Haney achieved a stellar victory against Regis Prograis in their title bout for the WBC super lightweight championship. The fight proved to be an easy affair for the former undisputed lightweight champion who dismantled Prograis throughout the fight. As he becomes a two-division champion, all eyes are on him as he makes his next move.

Meanwhile, Haney has expressed his desire to face big names such as Shakur Stevenson, Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia, or Teofimo Lopez. However, it seems that he might end up having to fight someone else. So who is this opponent he inherited after defeating Prograis?

Garcia, Lopez, and Stevenson, and Davis are not in line to fight Haney

Devin Haney, fresh off his triumph against Regis Prograis, is now set to defend his WBC light welterweight title against mandatory challenger Sandor Martin. Prograis was granted an exception from facing Martin due to the Haney fight. This now leaves Haney with an obligation to face Martin to defend his newly acquired belt.

Moreover, Martin will definitely be a tough opponent for ‘the Dream’. Martin even gave Teofimo Lopez a run for his money in their encounter last year and only lost to a controversial split decision.

However, Devin Haney’s father seems laser-focused on one fighter whom he would want to tick off his hit list.

Bill Haney blasts Gervonta Davis

Even though, Martin is already set to be his mandatory opponent, it seems that Haney has set his sights on Davis. In a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, Bill Haney emphasized the singular fight that truly makes sense for his son, Devin – a showdown with Gervonta Davis. Expressing their readiness post the Prograis battle, Bill boldly challenged others, stating, “So, f**k all that other sh*t. I’m going to see who gon’ mention ‘Tank’ other than us.”

As the Haney camp echoes Davis’ name, Bill is convinced of the avoidance tactics, claiming, “Tank don’t want to fight Devin, period.” This anticipation of a face-off with Davis adds a layer of intrigue to Devin Haney’s promising career.

Bill Haney wants the Davis matchup, affirming their willingness to even fight at 140 lbs. Moreover, he repeatedly chanted, “Tank, Tank, Tank. Where you at Tank?” Despite this, Bill predicts Davis will sidestep the challenge, reinforcing the notion that the clash might still remain elusive.

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