Shakur Stevenson wants the best that the 135-pound division has to offer. While he is fresh off a dominating victory against Artem Harutyunyan, he has already reiterated his desire to have the marquee fight that he seems to have been chasing for a while. So, who fits the bill? Is it one of the standing champions at 135? Or is it any up-and-coming, hot prospect that can quench his ambition? If you already have a name in mind, then scroll down to see whether it made the list.
‘Sugar’ put on a show before his home crowd at Prudential Center, as he exhibited his superior defense and swift movement. However, it didn’t turn out to be exactly an exciting performance that the fans wanted to witness. While Stevenson made his first successful defense at 135, it also stamped his doubters’ criticism of him being a not-so-fan-friendly fighter and tough to market. The American fighter needs a name that can go to war against him and allow him to showcase the best version of himself. And you don’t have to look beyond the biggest name at 135 in Gervonta Davis.
Shakur Stevenson vs. Gervonta Davis: high payout, clash of brutal force and technical prowess
What does Stevenson, 25, need right now? An opponent that brings the fight to him and possesses an explosive arsenal. What’s more? Davis, 29, more than qualifies. ‘Tank’ has swayed the fans with his thunderous knockout power and has a long list of followers, which will also bring traction to their fight. In addition, the two have been at each other’s throats for quite some time, so the hype and demand for a fight are already there.
And you would love to see a showdown of contrasting fighting styles, where the WBC champion’s technical skills and his fast pair of hands, along with accurate punching ability, might frustrate and triumph over Davis’ in-ring IQ and thunderous power. However, Stevenson also runs the risk of getting ripped apart by the Baltimore native. Will he be able to put on a masterclass of hitting and simultaneously avoid getting hit, as he has done in his previous fights?
