A Win, But Questions Remain
Shakur Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) successfully defended his WBC lightweight title last Saturday night in Riyadh, stopping Josh Padley (15-1, 4 KOs) in the ninth round. The fight, held at The Venue, saw Stevenson showcase his defensive skills, a style he refers to as the "art of hit and don’t get hit." Despite the win, the performance left many questions lingering about Stevenson’s readiness for a higher caliber of competition.
A Step Back in Performance
While Stevenson’s victory was notable, it wasn’t the kind of dominant performance that would impress fans or other top-tier fighters. The match against Padley, who was a replacement for the ill Floyd Schofield, didn’t require the kind of high-level execution that would elevate Stevenson’s status. Many observers noted that Stevenson fought timidly, standing straight up and throwing arm punches, often darting away when Padley attacked. This defensive, low-energy approach made the fight less engaging and did little to bolster Stevenson’s popularity or reputation.
The Call for a Unification Fight
After the fight, Stevenson and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, called out WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis for a unification bout. They touted this potential matchup as the "biggest fight in boxing." However, the tepid performance against Padley, a fighter who is far from world-class, does little to convince Davis or his team that Stevenson is a worthy opponent. For Stevenson to truly earn the right to fight Davis, he would need to demonstrate his skills against more formidable opponents.
A Manufactured Fighter?
The criticism of Stevenson’s performance has led some to question whether he is more of a manufactured fighter, protected by his promoters to ensure he remains unbeaten. Promoters often shield fighters from tough opponents to maintain their records and build their profiles for bigger fights. If Hearn is hesitant to match Stevenson against top-tier fighters due to the risk of a loss, it could damage Stevenson’s credibility and make it harder to lure top names into the ring. To prove his mettle, Stevenson should be matched against fighters like Abdullah Mason, Andy Cruz, Ernesto Mercado, Raymond Muratalla, and William Zepeda.
Shakur’s Post-Fight Comments
In his post-fight comments, Stevenson expressed pride in his performance and showed respect for Padley, acknowledging the British fighter’s willingness to step into the ring. "I showed the art of hit and don’t get hit," Stevenson told the media. "I put the hands on him and didn’t get touched much. I appreciate Josh for stepping up when others wouldn’t." Stevenson also addressed the boos from the crowd, saying, "I love it. Josh Padley is six hours away in London, so he probably had more fans here, but I shut them up. They stopped talking, and I did what I was supposed to do."
The Road Ahead
For Stevenson to be considered for a fight against Gervonta Davis or any other high-profile opponent, he needs to consistently perform at a higher level. The win over Padley, while adding another notch to his belt, does little to advance his standing in the lightweight division. Stevenson’s path forward should include more challenging and engaging opponents to prove his worth and solidify his status as a legitimate contender. Only by facing and defeating top talent can Stevenson truly earn the respect and attention he seeks in the boxing world.
