Shakur Stevenson has been christened with a new nickname, “Outlaw,” by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh as he gears up for a possible clash with unbeaten Mexican contender William Zepeda. The potential matchup is expected to feature on a massive card headlined by Terence Crawford vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr.
However, some people have criticized the moniker, suggesting that it doesn’t accurately capture Stevenson’s cautious fighting style. Alternatives like “Runner” or “Mr. Safety First” have been proposed by those who feel Stevenson’s defensive approach lacks the excitement associated with the “Outlaw” nickname.
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Despite the skepticism, Stevenson appears enthusiastic about the prospect of facing Zepeda. The fight, however, is viewed by some as a dangerous one for Stevenson. Zepeda’s ability to cut off the ring and force exchanges could prove problematic for Stevenson, whose lack of power and conservative approach may not be enough to fend off the Mexican powerhouse.
Comparisons have been drawn to Stevenson’s loss in the 2016 Olympic finals against Cuban boxer Robeisy Ramirez, where Stevenson struggled against Ramirez’s combination punching. Critics worry that a similar fate could await him against Zepeda, whose aggressive, Gatling-gun offense might overwhelm Stevenson’s more measured approach.
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