Hand Trouble Persists for Shakur Stevenson
On a starlit night in Riyadh, Shakur Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) successfully defended his WBC lightweight belt by stopping Josh Padley (15-1, 4 KOs) in the ninth round. However, the victory came at a significant cost. Stevenson, a 2016 Olympic silver medalist, revealed that he injured both his hands during the bout. This revelation adds to the growing concerns about his physical durability, especially in a division as competitive as the lightweight category.
A Troubled History with Injuries
Stevenson has a reputation for having "glass hands," a term that highlights his vulnerability to hand injuries. This has significantly influenced his career trajectory. During his fight against Edwin De Los Santos, Stevenson was forced to adopt a more defensive, movement-oriented style to mitigate the risk of further damage. Since then, his management has strategically matched him against weaker opponents, such as Padley and Artem Harutyunyan, to avoid putting undue stress on his hands. The repeated injuries raise questions about whether Stevenson is physically equipped to compete at the highest levels of the 135-lb division.
The Gervonta Davis Conundrum
Shakur Stevenson has been vocal about his desire to face Gervonta Davis, a fight he believes would solidify his status as a top contender. However, his hand issues cast a shadow over this potential matchup. If the fight were to materialize, Stevenson’s hands are likely to be a significant factor. The risk of another injury could force him to rely heavily on defensive tactics, which might not sit well with the fans who expect a competitive and exciting bout. The pay-per-view audience, expecting a thrilling fight, could feel disappointed if Stevenson spends most of the time running and avoiding punches.
Proving Himself Against Stronger Opposition
Before considering a fight against Gervonta Davis, it’s crucial for Stevenson to prove himself against more formidable opponents. His current management has deliberately matched him against weaker fighters to minimize the risk of injury. However, this strategy has also limited his exposure to top-tier competition. To build a more convincing case for a fight against Davis, Stevenson should face and defeat fighters like Andy Cruz, Raymond Muratalla, Abdullah Mason, and William Zepeda. These bouts would provide a better gauge of his true capabilities and help address questions about his physical resilience.
Stevenson’s Future at 135 lbs
Given the persistent hand issues, Stevenson might need to reassess his weight class. Moving down to 130 or 126 lbs could alleviate some of the physical strain, making it easier for him to manage his injuries. At these lighter weights, he wouldn’t need to exert as much force in his punches, potentially reducing the risk of further hand damage. This strategic move could extend his career and allow him to compete more confidently against top opponents in a less physically demanding environment.
Stevenson’s Determination and Future Plans
Despite the challenges, Stevenson remains determined to face Gervonta Davis. In an interview with Secondsout, he expressed his eagerness for the fight, stating, "You got to ask him. How is he going to hit me? How is he going to land his punches on me that I done seen him throw a million times? I can’t wait for it to happen." Stevenson’s confidence and willingness to negotiate terms for the fight demonstrate his commitment to proving himself in the ring. While the fight is ultimately in the hands of his promoter, Turki, Stevenson remains optimistic and ready to take on whatever challenges come his way.
Shakur Stevenson’s journey in boxing is a story of resilience and determination, marred by physical challenges. As he looks to the future, his ability to overcome these obstacles and prove his worth against tougher competition will be the key to realizing his ambitions.
