Stevenson’s Lackluster Victory Leaves Fans Displeased
In a lackluster bout at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, 26-year-old Shakur Stevenson defeated Edwin De Los Santos to claim the vacant WBC lightweight world title. Despite the victory, Stevenson’s performance failed to excite the crowd, leaving fans frustrated and disappointed. This article delves into the details of the fight, Stevenson’s journey to becoming a three-division world champion, and the implications of his underwhelming performance.
Stevenson’s Journey to Becoming a Three-Division World Champion
Shakur Stevenson began his professional boxing career as a highly touted prospect. In 2019, he became a world champion by defeating Joet Gonzalez and claiming the vacant WBO featherweight title. Two years later, Stevenson moved up to the super-featherweight division and won the WBO title by defeating Jamel Herring. The fight against De Los Santos marked Stevenson’s second bout as a lightweight, with the opportunity to become a three-division world champion.
A Legendary Ring Walk, but a Dull Fight
Stevenson made a memorable ring walk, accompanied by boxing legends Andre Ward and Terence “Bud” Crawford. The atmosphere was electric, but unfortunately, the fight itself failed to live up to expectations. The majority of the bout lacked excitement, with fans voicing their frustration through boos.
Stevenson’s Controlled Performance
Throughout the fight, Stevenson showcased his boxing skills, effectively limiting De Los Santos’ offense. Stevenson relied on his jab and defensive prowess to control the pace of the fight. However, he threw a limited number of power shots, leaving fans wanting more action.
Displeased Fans and Stevenson’s Admission
The lack of action in the ring left fans dissatisfied, and their disappointment was evident. In his post-fight interview, Stevenson acknowledged his subpar performance, admitting that he wasn’t feeling his best. Despite the victory, he acknowledged the need for improvement.
De Los Santos’ Frustration and Claim to the Title
Edwin De Los Santos, the Dominican boxer, expressed his disappointment with the fight’s outcome. He criticized Stevenson for not engaging in a more aggressive style and claimed that he came to fight while Stevenson came for a “track meet.” De Los Santos believed he deserved the title and saw himself as the champion of the people.
Speculations and Implications
Speculations arose regarding Stevenson’s left hand, as he sparingly used it throughout the fight. Whether injured or not, Stevenson’s lackluster performance raises questions about his ability to become a pay-per-view attraction. The November 16th fight may have hindered his progress toward that goal.
Conclusion:
Shakur Stevenson may have claimed the WBC lightweight title and become a three-division world champion, but his victory was overshadowed by the lack of excitement in the ring. The disappointment of the fans and Stevenson’s own admission of a subpar performance highlight the need for improvement. As Stevenson continues his boxing journey, he must strive to deliver thrilling fights that captivate audiences and solidify his status as a top-tier boxer.
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