By: Hans Themistode
Shakur Stevenson is everything Oscar Valdez expected and more.
A native of Mexico and now a former WBO super featherweight champion, has gone to great lengths to offset the former Olympic silver medalist’s superior boxing skills. The two competed in a tactical chess match during the main event at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, late last night.
Billed as a heavy favorite, Stevenson kept Valdez at a distance for the opening few innings. Midway through, after a focused attack on Stevenson’s midfield, Valdez started to pick up the pace. In particular, in the eighth game, Valdez rendered Stevenson’s normal defense useless. Over the course of the round, the Mexican product delivered a total of 17 punches, more than any other opponent in any particular round in Stevenson’s relatively brief career.
Though Valdez began his frenetic comeback, Stevenson tamed his man in the following round, hitting his target 16 shots, while only allowing Valdez to connect with four.
When Valdez pulled back into the corner at the end of the final round, he kept his head low, knowing full well that Stevenson had just beaten him for the first time in his career. Moments later, Valdez’s fears came true when Stevenson was handed the unanimous decision to win.
While clearly annoyed with his performance, Valdez tried not to blame himself. Instead, he tipped his hat to Stevenson as a sign of respect.
“He has great boxing skills,” Valdez said after his defeat. “He’s just the better man tonight.”
Stevenson, known for his defensive acumen, showed his strength throughout the night, especially in game six. The elegant and confident star dodged a swing of his left hand thrown at him. As a result, Valdez tripped over the rope. Though aware of his surroundings, Stevenson quickly lowered his right arm surreptitiously, bringing Valdez to the painting.
Shortly after, Valdez immediately stood up and protested referee Tim Cheatham’s decision to consider it a knockdown. In the end, Valdez did not want to complete the referee’s decision. However, outside of what he believes to be a gratuitous knockdown, Valdez admits that Stevenson was simply a cut on him.
“The referee called a knockdown, personally I don’t think it was, it was a slip but he is a great fighter. His speed is there, his strength is there, his movement with his feet, little risk. Overall, just a good fighter.”
