When he’s on, which is most nights, talent oozes out of just about every pore of Shakur Stevenson’s system. The 2016 Olympic silver medalist is the kind of rapid, thoughtful and tough fighter who could ultimately become the top rated pound-for-pound fighter in boxing.
He fought that way Saturday in a a person-sided victory more than Jamel Herring, dominating the Maritime and swiping his WBO junior lightweight title with a 10th-round TKO stoppage at Point out Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Stevenson was much too speedy, too strong and far too wise for Herring, who, test as he could possibly, could never definitely mount an attack. Stevenson beat him in each individual element and received it in the 10th when he was strolling Herring down and landing clean up, undefended remaining arms to the head. Referee Mark Nelson last but not least observed ample at 1:30 of the 10th, giving Stevenson his 17th gain without having a loss and his next title in as quite a few body weight lessons.
“He’s going to choose about and continue to be fantastic,” the vanquished Herring reported. “Shakur is likely to do good matters.”
He did plenty of excellent things on Saturday. He took the centre of the ring in the opening seconds and hardly ever gave it up. He was ripping Herring with a tricky jab, a potent right hook and loads of straight ideal palms. Stevenson boxed superbly and was seldom in danger.
The rounds had an eerie similarity, as Stevenson never ever misplaced aim and Herring was not quick sufficient or potent plenty of to drive him to transform his sample.
Stevenson thanked ESPN ringside analyst Timothy Bradley just after the bout for motivating him to increase his game. Bradley criticized Stevenson’s performance in a June 12 win above Jeremia Nakathila and it caught Stevenson’s focus.
“I want to thank Tim Bradley,” Stevenson mentioned. “Tim Bradley was criticizing me, calling me tedious. So I desired a enjoyment struggle and I desired to accomplish. I preferred to show my skill, my boxing talent, my defense and my ability. I considered I confirmed everything tonight.”
Stevenson’s overall performance was reminiscent of the famous Floyd Mayweather’s first title-successful effort and hard work around Genaro Hernandez at the same fat course 23 yrs ago, in 1998. Mayweather elevated his video game substantially and stopped Hernandez in eight one-sided rounds.
Stevenson did considerably of the exact and under no circumstances enable Herring get on track. Herring trainer Brian McIntyre, who worked with Stevenson in the previous, was amazed.
“He’s more youthful and was speedier and Shakur was sharp,” McIntyre claimed.
Stevenson identified as out WBC winner Oscar Valdez for a unification battle. It would be a enjoyable bout, but if Stevenson fights like he did on Saturday, not only are couple going to be able to beat him, few are going to be ready to even be aggressive with him.
He has not normally been on, but he was on Saturday and showed the glance of a long term celebrity.