Comments Thread For: Dominant Performance Sets Shakur Stevenson Up For Bigger Things

[Kiowhatta]

We are wading into dangerous precedential waters with the ridiculously pre-mature stoppage of Herring v Stevenson.

Why aren't or rather shouldn't referees be giving more standing 8 counts, warning fighters between rounds that they need to improve their performance: in short, GIVE THE FIGHTER A CHANCE A WARNING.

What's worse is that Herring still had a puncher's chance, was still protecting himself, throwing back, he was just simply losing on points.

If we have referees beginning to stop fights simply because a fighter is behind on the cards, and is getting beaten but still able to fight (especially being the defending champion he's supposed to be given extra leeway to attempt a late-round comeback or stoppage. As long as he has a chance, and is coherent, not in danger of severe injury, then he ought to be allowed to continue!

My point is - this is going to potentially set a dangerous precedent and disadvantage fighters whose game plan might be to come on in the latter half of the fight.

What if a fighter wants to play rope a dope, or possum, setting traps? these strategies now put a fighter in danger of being declared a TKO loser simply because of a pitter-patter flurry made famous by Joe 'I don't travel' Calzaghe.

What are your thoughts?

[MONGOOSE66]

By Lyle Fitzimmons - Every now and then, you see it. You may not even be able to specifically define it, but it's there. Such is the case with Shakur Stevenson. Maybe you notice his footwork. Perhaps you focus on his hand speed. Or it could be the way he carries himself before a significant fight.
[Click Here To Read More]

Hmmm, I think Shakur just fooked himself with that performance. No one’s going to want to take that risk.

[orionb]

I don't think Valdez holds up to the speed of Stevenson

on the other hand maybe he'd be more successful with his own feints and counters, etc

[Cypocryphy]

that is the "Hope" but I think it will be even more difficult for him to get people to fight him

already people are trying to redirect him away from Valdez, even Arum seems to want to protect Valdez from Stevenson because they ALL know (including Valdez himself) that Shakur picks Valdez apart

Considering how Valdez looked against Robson Conceição, it's very possible. However, Valdez would have walked right through Herring. I think Valdez would have KO'd or TKO's Herring sooner than Stevenson. It could very well be a much harder fight for Stevenson than most think. I still favor Stevenson, but it's certainly not a forgone conclusion that he'd win it.

Why?

1. Valdez is a better boxer than Herring. (Imagine if Berchelt fought Herring).
2. Valdez hits a hell of a lot harder than Herring. Had Herring had respectable power, we would have seen Shakur dancing around the ring all night like he did against the Nigerian.

I think we very well might see Valdez take on Shakur. Dangerous fight for both fighters. Don't let Loma, Lopez, Joshua and Usyk be the only four fighters willing to go balls out.

[sicko]

that is the "Hope" but I think it will be even more difficult for him to get people to fight him

already people are trying to redirect him away from Valdez, even Arum seems to want to protect Valdez from Stevenson because they ALL know (including Valdez himself) that Shakur picks Valdez apart

[Wacked_Out]

Albert Bell and Colbert are the fights to make not the much slower old and been in the wars Valdez. Stevenson isnt going to call those names out because they'd be a problem.

[Cypocryphy]

I would love to see the Lomachenko vs Stevenson fight. I respect Stevenson for wanting to challenge himself. However, I think it's a mistake to elevate Stevenson's performance too much, and I will tell you why:

• Herring has never been able to beat another southpaw. Not once. Not ever. He loses and loses badly to them.
• Herring's performance was, to be bluntly honest, laughable.
  • Not only does he move in a straight line, he just stands there with his "ear muffs up" whenever he defends. He turned himself into a virtual BOB.
  • He had zero head movement
  • Not once did he try to take the weak side like he was supposed to.
• Denis Shafikov beat Herring worse than Shakur, with Denis causing several knockdowns. (There was hardly any improvements in Herring's boxing ability from then to his fight with Shakur, making the same dumb mistakes.)
• Herring's best win, without a doubt, was beating a little guy, past his prime, in Frampton.

I think Stevenson is a fantastic boxer, make no mistake. But to think he's the next coming of Floyd Mayweather based on his beating Herring is laughable. Herring was never a great boxer. He's athletic but his ring IQ is very low. He did everything he wasn't supposed to when he fought Stevenson, except for round five.

We need to see more of Stevenson. I think any fight he makes with any of the other champions or 135 pounders will tell us a lot more about Stevenson.

[ShoulderRoll]

Stevenson's stock certainly seems to have risen. People were sitting on him after his previous performance. A lot of people only watch boxing for the action. Not everyone appreciates defensive skill. I hope Shakur is able to keep the momentum and get unification fights. The talent is obvious

He stunk out the joint in his previous fight. The criticism from Tim Bradley and others was necessary.

I thought he looked much better and more entertaining this past weekend.

[Bronx2245]

I would love to see Loma fight Stevenson simply from a stylistic vantage point. My question is what is the benefit for Loma. If he wins people will say Stevenson bit off more than he can chew and if he loses he tanks his chances at bigger fights moving forward.

Definitely a "bigger" benefit fighting Stevenson then Commey! Loma should be targeting Devin Haney for 2022, but if he (Arum) wants an in-house opponent, then Stevenson is the guy!

[Apollo7]

Stevenson's stock certainly seems to have risen. People were sitting on him after his previous performance. A lot of people only watch boxing for the action. Not everyone appreciates defensive skill. I hope Shakur is able to keep the momentum and get unification fights. The talent is obvious