According to Paulie, Shakur Stevenson showcased his skills once again in his win against Artem Harutyunyan, proving himself as a top contender in the 135 lbs division. Although his performance may not have been the most thrilling, Stevenson's effectiveness and strategic prowess were clear, demonstrating his ability to succeed against any opponent. Instead of criticizing Stevenson, the focus should be on encouraging top fighters to step up and face him. Despite some finding his style less entertaining, Stevenson's consistent victories speak volumes about his capabilities inside the ring.
While fighters like Gervonta "Tank" Davis have yet to show much interest in facing Stevenson, he has overcome challenges posed by recent opponents like Edwin De Los Santos and now Harutyunyan, even if not in the most electrifying manner. Critics often overlook the tough competition Stevenson faces and tend to dwell on his fighting style instead. However, his tactical approach continues to bring him success.
With Stevenson's Top Rank contract now expired, his future is full of possibilities. Whether he decides to go solo or joins forces with another prominent promoter, securing high quality matchups is crucial for advancing his career and reputation. Despite being somewhat challenging to promote, Stevenson's consistent winning streak demands that promoters explore ways to enhance his market appeal. In various sports, the top athletes compete against each other and boxing should follow suit with Stevenson.
Watch Stevenson vs. Harutyunyan highlights: Watch
Recent matches involving Stevenson, Davis and Lomachenko have displayed their talents, but the highly anticipated matchup in the lightweight division is Stevenson versus Davis. While Lomachenko remains a strong contender deserving fights against both Stevenson and Davis, the focus should be on a showdown between Stevenson and Davis first, with the victor potentially taking on Lomachenko next. This series of bouts would bring clarity to the division and meet fans craving for intense competition.
William Zepeda's recent victory over Giovanni Cabrera showcased his potential as a serious contender in the division. His speed and aggressive style could present challenges for both Davis and Lomachenko, but Stevenson might be able to handle him effectively. Zepeda's impressive performance in stopping Cabrera, known for his unconventional approach, underscores his capability to challenge top tier fighters. Golden Boy Promotions can rediscover value in Zepeda's exciting wins amidst setbacks from Jaime Munguia's defeat and Ryan Garcia's suspension.
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