SHAKUR STEVENSON “IM STILL THE BEST”
In an eagerly anticipated match, undefeated American boxer Shakur Stevenson secured a decisive unanimous-decision victory over Edwin De Los Santos from the Dominican Republic, clinching the vacant WBC world lightweight crown. The bout unfolded at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, an iconic setting for the sport. Despite Stevenson's triumph and his impeccable record now standing at 21-0 with 10 knockouts, the victory was met with discontent from fans who expressed their frustration through audible boos, dismayed by the perceived lack of action.
This significant win marked Stevenson's third world title across diverse weight classes, showcasing his versatility in previous roles as the featherweight and junior lightweight champion. However, the overall performance of both fighters left much to be desired, prompting a disapproving response from the crowd as the bout progressed. Notably, De Los Santos managed to land a mere 40 punches over the course of the 12 rounds, setting a record for the fewest punches in a 12-round fight according to the official Compubox statistics, a system in place for nearly four decades.
In a post-fight reflection, Stevenson openly admitted to his subpar performance, acknowledging the disappointment in his showing. While questions arose about potential injuries or illnesses affecting his left hand, Stevenson chose not to dwell on excuses and emphasized his primary objective of securing the victory, even if it meant a less-than-stellar performance.
De Los Santos, with a record of 16-2 after the defeat, criticized Stevenson's approach, accusing him of employing negative tactics and likening the bout to a "track meet" rather than a true boxing match. This analogy drew attention to the proximity of the venue to Las Vegas Boulevard, where Formula One cars were racing during a practice session on the opening night of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Looking ahead, the focus shifted to Stevenson's future opponents, but he expressed a desire for a well-deserved break, suggesting a hiatus of "like two months" after a rigorous seven-month training period. Mentor and former champion Andre Ward offered insights into Stevenson's performance, suggesting the need for reassessment and acknowledging the challenges elite fighters face when their dominance falters.
The match, which began tentatively, failed to escalate in intensity as is customary in world title contests. Boos from the audience grew louder as the fighters struggled to captivate with compelling action, leaving spectators yearning for the excitement that typically accompanies such high-stakes bouts.
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