Shakur Stevenson, the WBC lightweight champion, recently faced Artem Harutyunyan in a hometown battle at the Prudential Center in Newark. While Stevenson clearly dominated the fight, he failed to excite the audience and had to endure boos from some spectators. Despite his impressive record of 22-0, Stevenson’s lack of power and inability to thrill fans with a scientific fighting style have led to criticism of his performances.
Stevenson’s style has been compared to that of defensive masterminds like Pernell Whitaker and Floyd Mayweather. While these fighters were lauded for their sophisticated defensive techniques, Stevenson’s approach lacks the same appeal. Some critics have called for Stevenson to take more risks and show more aggression in the ring, but it seems that his natural fighting style is more defensive-oriented. This has led to frustration on Stevenson’s part, as he struggles to meet the expectations of fans who often prefer aggressive fighters.
Stevenson’s situation is reminiscent of other fighters in boxing history who faced similar challenges. Legendary boxers like Willie Pep and Billy Conn were praised for their technical abilities, but they were not always able to capture the excitement of fans in the same way as more aggressive fighters. Stevenson, like Vasyl Lomachenko, is unlikely to change his fighting style drastically to please his critics. While Stevenson may not have the flashy style of some of his predecessors, he is still considered one of the best fighters in the business.
The Road to Glory
Despite the criticism he faces, Stevenson remains a skilled and talented fighter who holds a title in his weight class. While some may call for him to adopt a more aggressive approach, Stevenson’s success in the ring speaks for itself. Ultimately, those who doubt his ability to achieve true glory will have to acknowledge his skill and talent sooner or later. Stevenson may not be the most exciting fighter to watch, but his mastery of the sport is undeniable. As he continues to defend his title and face new challenges, Stevenson will have the opportunity to prove his detractors wrong and solidify his place among the boxing greats.