The Rush for the Tank Fight
Promoter Eddie Hearn is making it clear that he believes the biggest fight in boxing is the one between Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis. In a recent interview, Hearn expressed his enthusiasm for making this fight happen, particularly after Shakur’s expected victory over Josh Padley on Saturday night in Riyadh. Hearn’s push for this mega-fight is not without its critics, as many believe Shakur should first prove himself against tougher competition before facing the formidable Tank Davis. Despite Shakur being touted as the #1 pound-for-pound fighter and the best at 135 pounds, his resume lacks the high-profile names needed to validate such a claim. This has led to speculation that Hearn is trying to offload Shakur before his true value is revealed.
The Gauntlet: Proving Worth
Before Shakur can step into the ring with Tank Davis, there are several tough opponents who could test his mettle. These include Andy Cruz, Abdullah Mason, Raymond Muratalla, Ernesto Mercado, and William Zepeda. Each of these fighters would provide a formidable challenge, allowing Shakur to build a more robust and credible record. Running this gauntlet would not only strengthen Shakur’s claim to the title of the best fighter at 135 pounds but also make a future fight with Tank Davis more justified and exciting for fans. The question remains: is Hearn willing to let Shakur face these challenges, or is he more interested in securing the Tank fight as quickly as possible?
The Upcoming Fight with Josh Padley
Shakur Stevenson will defend his WBC lightweight title against Josh Padley, a fringe contender selected as a replacement for the ill Floyd Schofield. Despite Padley’s respectable record of 15-0 and his recent victory over Mark Chamberlain, he is not considered a top-10 fighter. This has led many fans to question the legitimacy of the fight and the seriousness of the challenge it poses to Stevenson. Hearn’s decision to choose Padley seems to be more about protecting Shakur and ensuring a smooth path to the Tank fight, rather than providing a genuine test of his skills. The mismatch has even drawn criticism from boxing enthusiasts who feel it undermines Shakur’s credibility.
The Case for Tougher Opposition
For a fighter to be considered the best at their weight class, they need to have a proven track record against top competition. Shakur’s recent opponents, such as Artem Harutyunyan, Edwin De Los Santos, and Shuichiro Yoshino, are not considered high-level fighters. This has left his resume looking thin and lacking the depth needed to support the claim of being the #1 fighter. By facing tougher opponents like Cruz, Mason, Muratalla, Mercado, and Zepeda, Shakur can build a more impressive and credible record. This would not only solidify his position as a top contender but also make a future match with Tank Davis more compelling and fair.
The Business of Boxing
Eddie Hearn’s promotion of Shakur Stevenson is a business decision driven by the potential financial success of the Tank fight. Hearn’s focus on securing this lucrative matchup is understandable, but it comes at the cost of potentially undermining Stevenson’s reputation. By rushing into the Tank fight without facing a robust gauntlet of top opponents, there is a risk that Shakur will be exposed and his hype will be seen as manufactured. This approach also raises questions about the integrity of the sport and the fairness of matchmaking. Hearn’s strategy may secure a big payday, but it could also backfire if Shakur fails to live up to the hype.
The Future of the Stevenson-Davis Match
Despite the criticism, the potential fight between Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta Davis remains one of the most anticipated in boxing. Both fighters bring a level of excitement and skill to the ring that fans crave. If Shakur can navigate the upcoming fight with Josh Padley and continue to build his reputation, the stage will be set for a thrilling matchup with Tank Davis. The challenge for Hearn is to balance the business aspect of the sport with the need to maintain the integrity and competitiveness of the fights. Only time will tell if the Stevenson-Davis fight will live up to the hype and become the blockbuster event that many boxing fans are hoping for.
