In a strategic and defensively focused match, Shakur Stevenson emerged as the WBC lightweight champion, overcoming Edwin De Los Santos in Las Vegas. This victory marked Stevenson’s ascent as a three-division champion, showcasing his adaptability and skill across different weight classes.
Stevenson’s Tactical Dominance
- Controlled Fighting: Throughout the 12-round bout, Stevenson displayed a calculated approach, utilizing his long jab and exceptional defense to maintain control.
- Historic Low in Power Punches: According to CompuBox statistics, the fight saw a remarkably low number of power punches landed, with Stevenson and De Los Santos combining for just 33 in total.
Reflecting on the Fight
- Stevenson’s Self-Assessment: Post-fight, Stevenson acknowledged that it wasn’t his best performance, citing feeling unwell but expressing satisfaction with securing the victory.
- De Los Santos’s Struggle: De Los Santos landed only 40 punches throughout the fight, a record low for a 12-round match in CompuBox’s 38-year history.
The Road to the Title
- Stevenson’s Journey: Stevenson, a former Olympic silver medalist, has consistently demonstrated his prowess across multiple weight classes, leading to this latest achievement.
- De Los Santos’s Effort: Despite his defeat, De Los Santos’s resilience and determination were evident, as he persevered through the tactical battle against a formidable opponent.
Potential Future Showdowns
- Devin Haney’s Challenge: The win opens the possibility for Stevenson to face Devin Haney, the undisputed lightweight champion as of June 2022, who is set to move up to 140 pounds for a December bout.
- Unrealized Negotiations: There were initial hopes for a Stevenson-Haney matchup following Haney’s victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko in May, but discussions for the fight never materialized.
Broader Impacts in the Boxing World
- Combat Sports Analysis: This fight adds to the rich tapestry of boxing and MMA, offering insights and data for analysts and enthusiasts in the combat sports world.
- Morning Kombat’s Coverage: The fight was covered extensively by combat sports experts, including Morning Kombat with Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell, who provide in-depth analysis and news in the field.
Detailed Fight Results
- Main Event Outcome: Shakur Stevenson won against Edwin De Los Santos via unanimous decision, with scores of 115-113, 116-112, 116-112.
- Undercard Highlight: Another significant fight on the card was between Emanuel Navarrete and Robson Conceicao, which ended in a majority draw with scores of 114-112, 113-113, 113-113.
Conclusion: Stevenson’s Continued Legacy
Shakur Stevenson’s victory over Edwin De Los Santos cements his status as a versatile and skilled boxer in the lightweight division. Despite acknowledging his less-than-optimal performance, Stevenson’s strategic approach and defensive mastery were key to his win. As he continues his career, his ability to adapt and succeed across multiple weight classes sets him apart as a significant figure in the world of boxing. The prospect of future bouts, particularly against figures like Devin Haney, adds excitement and anticipation for fans and analysts alike. Stevenson’s journey reflects not just personal triumph but also contributes to the evolving narrative of boxing, where strategy, skill, and resilience converge to create compelling sporting spectacles.
