Stevenson’s Frustration and Fixation on Davis
Shakur Stevenson, the undefeated 22-0 boxer with 10 knockouts, has been vocal about his frustrations with fan favorites Gervonta Davis and William Zepeda, who seem reluctant to face him in the ring. Stevenson, currently the WBC lightweight champion, claims that both fighters are avoiding him out of fear, a sentiment he perceives as a moral victory. However, his obsessive fixation on Davis, in particular, has drawn criticism and raised questions about his approach to his career. Stevenson’s constant need for validation from Davis, who has not reciprocated the interest, has been interpreted as needy and off-putting. This obsession has not only hindered his ability to build his own career but has also made him seem less appealing to fans and promoters alike.
The Problem with Stevenson’s Strategy
One of the main issues with Stevenson’s strategy is his reluctance to take on high-profile opponents in different weight classes. Despite the potential for significant paydays and increased popularity, Stevenson has shown no interest in moving up to 140 or 147 pounds to face fighters like Ernesto Mercado, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, or Vergil Ortiz Jr. These bouts could significantly boost his profile and make him a more attractive opponent for Davis. Instead, Stevenson has chosen to remain at 135 pounds, a weight class where his fan base is limited, and his style is often criticized for being boring and evasive. This has led to a situation where Stevenson’s career is stagnating, and he is increasingly seen as a one-dimensional fighter.
Stevenson’s Track Record and Criticisms
Stevenson’s professional career, spanning eight years, has been marked by a lack of notable opponents. His wins, while impressive, have not been against fighters who have significantly raised his profile. In his fights against Edwin De Los Santos, Jeremiah Nakathilia, and Joet Gonzalez, Stevenson was often booed by fans for his defensive and unengaging style. His performance against De Los Santos, in particular, was particularly poor, with Stevenson spending much of the fight running from his opponent. This has led to widespread criticism of Stevenson’s approach, with many fans and commentators questioning his ability to succeed against more formidable opponents like Gervonta Davis.
Stevenson’s World Title Wins and Hypocrisy
Despite his claims of being a top fighter, Stevenson’s world title wins have not been against the caliber of opponents that would solidify his status as a true champion. His victories over Edwin De Los Santos, Oscar Valdez, Jamel Herring, and Joet Gonzalez have been impressive, but they have not been enough to elevate him to the status of a household name in boxing. Stevenson’s complaints about Vasily Lomachenko not wanting to fight him ring hollow when he himself has ignored callouts from fighters like Ernesto Mercado, Andy Cruz, Raymond Muratalla, and Abdullah Mason. This hypocrisy has further damaged his reputation and made him seem less credible in his demands for high-profile fights.
Stevenson’s Views on Davis and the Potential Fight
Shakur Stevenson has been vocal about his desire to fight Gervonta Davis, often calling out the undefeated 30-0 WBC lightweight champion. Stevenson claims that a fight between them would be the "biggest fight in the world," a sentiment that is not widely shared by fans or experts. Stevenson’s views on Davis are mixed; he praises Davis’s boxing ability and IQ but confidently asserts that he is a better fighter and that he would win in a match. However, fans and experts see Davis as the superior fighter, and Stevenson’s defensive style and lack of engagement in previous fights have led many to doubt his chances against Davis. Stevenson’s willingness to move up to light welterweight if necessary shows some flexibility, but it is unclear if this would be enough to secure the fight he so desperately wants.
The Future of Stevenson’s Career
As Stevenson continues to call out Gervonta Davis and William Zepeda, the reality is that his career trajectory remains uncertain. His refusal to engage with high-profile opponents in different weight classes and his defensive style have limited his appeal and popularity. For Stevenson to truly become a top fighter and make the major fights he desires, he needs to demonstrate a willingness to take on challenging opponents and showcase a more engaging style in the ring. Until then, his fixation on Davis and Zepeda is likely to remain unfulfilled, and his career may continue to stagnate.
