By: Sean Crose
There he was on Saturday at the Prudential Center in his hometown of Newark, facing a determined but underdog Artem Harutyunyan in a hometown fight. It was the perfect time for WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson to make a splash on July 4th weekend. The only problem was, he didn’t. While the 22-0 Stevenson clearly dominated Harutyunyan, he failed to generate excitement, even as he clearly inflicted damage on his opponent. Sure, he won the fight, but Stevenson endured some boos from the home crowd on his way to victory. The fans clearly wanted more.
The truth is that none of this is probably Stevenson’s fault. He is incredibly talented and skilled in the ring. The problem is that he lacks a huge amount of power. Perhaps more damaging, Stevenson is not the type of fighter who is scientifically trained to excite fans. Pernell Whitaker, for example, has an appealing defensive style. The same is true of Floyd Mayweather. Veterans Billy Conn and Willie Pep are praised for their sophistication. Stevenson is not praised for his finely tuned in-ring qualities. He is criticized for his lack of appeal.
There are certainly those who would like to see Stevenson change his style. To take more risks, to mix up his punches with more regularity. These are understandable arguments, but it seems that Stevenson is not that person. Vasyl Lomachenko, for example, is not likely to suddenly become a true bullpen hitter. Stevenson is not. He just isn’t. Unfortunately for Stevenson, his style isn’t as impressive as Lomachenko’s was at his peak. Since last weekend’s win, Stevenson has had a fair bit of criticism on the internet, and at least some of it is unwarranted. Still, he’s frustrated, and with good reason.
Ultimately, fight fans like the hardest punchers. Tunney may have beaten Dempsey twice, but it’s the ferocious Dempsey who is remembered more. Tyson had an underrated defense, but that’s not what people remember decades after his prime. Flashy punchers can be favored, too, as can fighters who possess both flash and power. Stevenson wasn’t flashy in the ring, but he was one of the best in the business regardless.
Fortunately, he holds the best title. Those around him who want real glory will have to show up at his door sooner or later.
