Mercado, 18-0 with 17 knockouts, addressed Stevenson’s January 31 win over WBO mild welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez within the DAZN PPV important occasion at Madison Sq. Backyard. In feedback posted by Dan The Boxing Man from @theboxingmob, Mercado acknowledged the consequence however questioned the method.
“Shakur beat him, however he didn’t beat his ***,” Mercado stated. “You understand, there have been a number of occasions when he simply hit him with jabs to his face. That’s cool, bro, however while you acquired a man mentally defeated. That’s while you take benefit and let your palms go. We did not see that but once more from Shakur. There’s a number of holes in his recreation, hopefully at some point…I get the chance with him.”
The WBO belt modified palms with out dispute. Shakur Stevenson managed vary, diminished exchanges, and banked rounds behind a pointy jab.
The criticism begins as soon as Teofimo Lopez slowed. At that time, efficient aggression is predicted. Add combos. Work the physique. Press the benefit.
Stevenson selected precision and danger management.
That fashion has introduced belts throughout divisions. It additionally attracts recurring criticism that he prioritizes round-winning over aggression and thrilling the followers. Towards Lopez, a former undisputed champion, some observers anticipated a sharper closing assertion.
Stevenson holds the WBO title. Contenders resembling Mercado try to push their means into that order.
The query isn’t whether or not Stevenson can win rounds. He has confirmed that. The query raised by fighters like Mercado is whether or not he’ll press for a end when the opening is there.
At elite stage, that distinction typically defines how champions are judged past the scorecards.
‼️TITO MERCADO ON SHAKUR STEVENSON’S PERFORMANCE AGAINST TEOFIMO‼️
Tito Mercado: “Shakur beat him,however he didn’t beat his ass. You understand there have been alot of occasions the place he simply hit him with jabs to his face. That’s cool bro, however while you acquired a man mentally defeated…that’s while you… pic.twitter.com/cSiCIoydma
— Dan The Boxing Man (@dantheboxingman) February 25, 2026
