Shakur Stevenson efficiently defended his WBC light-weight title with a dominant, one-sided unanimous resolution win (119-109, 118-100, 116-112) over Artem Harutyunyan on Saturday on the Prudential Heart in Newark, New Jersey.
Regrettably, Stevenson’s efficiency fell in need of the spectacular displaying he wanted to maintain tempo together with his friends or to show that he’s been below promoted all through his profession, leaving the viewers with a way of disappointment.
All through the fairly uneventful struggle, Stevenson’s technical expertise, together with his superior hand pace, punching accuracy, and defensive prowess, had been a significant distinction, leaving the viewers in awe of his mastery.
Stevenson landed a number of potshots all through the struggle however did most of his harm when he sat down on his punches to the physique. Harutyunyan stored coming ahead, making an attempt to stay harmful, however he couldn’t land sufficient punches to make Stevenson uncomfortable.
Regardless of Stevenson’s dominance, he failed to hassle Harutyunyan, and regardless of the pleas from his grandfather/coach, Wali Moses, the 27-year-old couldn’t hit a excessive sufficient gear to cease his opponent.
Because the struggle drew on, the group grew to become antsy, and lots of could possibly be seen strolling out of the Prudential Heart within the tenth spherical and past.
Stevenson appeared to be urgent to make one thing thrilling occur, however he was nonetheless attempting to stay cautious, as typical in his fights.
This struggle was the final one on Stevenson’s contract with High Rank, and he needed to make an announcement. Sadly, he principally affirmed the statements of his critics, who known as him boring and difficult to market.
After the struggle, Stevenson implied that his efficiency and lack of pleasure had been extra about Harutyunyan’s unwillingness to compete than his less-than-fan-friendly model.
Earlier than and after the struggle, Stevenson wore a t-shirt calling out his promoter, Bob Arum, for allegedly protecting Vasyl Lomachenko from combating him.
After the struggle, there was no scarcity of response from boxing media members. ESPN’s Mike Coppinger known as Stevenson’s efficiency “dominant,” however he additionally mentioned it was “not an announcement victory.”
Freelance boxing author Dan Rafael known as out the booing crowd and mentioned the struggle “was arduous to look at.”
Boxing journalist Raging Babe known as Stevenson out for the constant bickering and backtalk together with his grandfather in his nook.
I’d should agree, because it was one thing I acknowledged in the course of the struggle as properly. It doesn’t sound as if Stevenson respects Moses’ opinion, and their exchanges can’t be good for his general profession.
It’s not Moses’ fault essentially, but when Stevenson turns the nook as a fighter, a change could also be so as.