It can sometimes be defined as common in a combat sport
that has seventeen weight classes and for the moment, a sanctioning
organization with intentions of establishing an eighteenth division, to see
fighters outside of those born Heavyweights to compete in several weight
classes throughout their careers. For many fighters at the top of the sport of
Boxing, the goal is attempt to win world championships in multiple weight
divisions over the course of a career. While such a feat is extremely
difficult, the fact that some fighters are blessed with the ability to accomplish
that goal in w relatively short period of time gives the impression that it is
commonplace, despite the difficulty such a task entails.
When a fighter is able to accomplish such a goal however,
such an achievement can be defined by calling it a “Star-Making” performance.
For undefeated former WBO Featherweight world champion Shakur Stevenson, such an
occasion occurred when he entered the ring on October 23rd at the
State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA to challenge WBO Jr. Lightweight world champion
Jamel Herring for his crown. Under most
circumstances, the question that is asked of a fighter that is moving up in
weight is whether or not they will be able to deal with opponents that are
theoretically bigger and stronger. While this question on the surface does not
take into the equation a fighter's style and overall skillset, this fight was
no exception as on the surface the champion had natural size and what seemed to
be a strength advantage over Stevenson.
It did not take long for Stevenson to dispel the
theoretical disadvantage that some may have felt he had going into the fight as
from the opening bell, he proved to simply be too quick and too strong for the
naturally bigger champion. Although Shakur Stevenson is not known necessarily
for his punching power, his hand speed quickly became the story of this fight
as he frequently beat Herring to the punch. If one were to ask me to describe
Shakur Stevenson's style, he is a slick
boxer that can fight either orthodox or southpaw, but what makes him even more
dangerous to combat is he approaches his offense with the mentality of a sniper.
Such a systematic, yet pinpoint approach that is q very difficult puzzle to
solve because in addition to his hand speed, he is also very elusive and can attack
his opponents from various angles.
What made Stevenson's performance more impressive as the
fight progressed was his ability to mix things up. Not strictly from the
standpoint of mixing his attacks on Herring to the body and head, but also his
knowing when to step up his aggression and knowing when not to be overly
aggressive to where it may have created an opportunity for Herring to turn the
ebb and flow of the fight in his favor.
Although no one can take anything away from Jamel Herring
in showing a true heart of a champion, despite the increasing effects of
punishment dished out by Stevenson, which was frankly a gradual beating, it
simply was not his night as he would eventually be cut over the left eye before
ultimately being stopped in the tenth round. While the simple term was to say
that Herring had a bad night, stylistically he was outgunned by Stevenson. The
former champion however, showed class in defeat by saying that Stevenson was
the better man. A show of sportsmanship that frankly yours truly would like to
see more of throughout combat sports.
While there was not much to say about this fight beyond
it being the type of dominant performance that the turns heads by Stevenson, the
obvious question is what will come next coming out of this fight. There are a few
things that need to be kept in mind. First Shakur Stevenson has become a two-division world champion in only seventeen professional
fights. While it is certainly possible that Stevenson may look to unify the Jr.
Lightweight division by seeking a bout with WBC world champion Oscar Valdez and
such an encounter may be theoretically easy to come to fruition seeing as both are
promoted by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum, this observer believes it will be more
likely in the long-term that Stevenson will look to venture into the 135lb. Lightweight
division where there is certainly no shortage of potential lucrative opponents and
obviously a lot of money to be made. The downside however for a fighter of Shakur
Stevenson’s skillset is such a start making performance can unfortunately for a
time have the opposite effect in making some of those lucrative opponents view
a potential fight with someone like Stevenson as a high risk/low reward scenario
for them.
Although not necessarily a good position to find yourself
in if you’re in Stevenson's shoes, this unfortunately is something that comes with
the territory in the sport of Boxing. While often it does not work to the sport's
best interest, the flip side is that it allows anticipation to build for those marquee
fights. It may be a question of whether or not Stevenson will be able to put enough
pressure on Arum outside of the ring in order to get those lucrative opportunities
while continuing to make as strong an argument for himself with the public whenever
he is inside the ring to fuel demand amongst Boxing fans for those fights to take
place.
“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”
The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison
All Rights Reserved.
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