By: Sean Crose
WBC light-weight titlist Shakur Stevenson shall be dealing with Joe Cordina on the Artur Beterbirev-Dmitry Bivol undisputed mild heavyweight title card on October twelfth in Saudi Arabia. The 22-0 Stevenson final fought in July when he bested Artem Harutyunyn in his hometown of Newark by way of unanimous choice. The 17-1 Cordina final noticed motion again in Could when he was stopped by Anthony Cacace in 8. The Stevenson-Cordina bout is scheduled for 12. Saudi Arabia’s boxing guru, Turki Alalshikh, indicated he’s joyful to have Stevenson preventing in his homeland. Talking of Stevenson to ESPN, Alalshikh claimed “there’s a giant battle with him sooner or later.”
Whereas it’s true that Stevenson-Cordina isn’t a “massive battle,” the 32 yr outdated Cordina is a former world titlist who as soon as held the IBF tremendous featherweight crown. Certainly, Stevenson shall be Crodina’s first opponent because the Welshman misplaced his title to Cacace earlier this yr. Stevenson was alleged to be dealing with rising star William Zepeda, but it surely appears to be like like that battle could also be subsequent – offered Stevenson will get previous Cordina within the fall. Ought to Cordina pull off the upset, he’ll certainly grow to be the toast of the game. Stevenson, nevertheless is lauded for being one of many nice abilities of this period.
Sadly for Stevenson, he doesn’t at all times current as probably the most pleasurable of ring warriors. As Boxing Insider wrote after his final outing: “Whereas the 22-0 Stevenson clearly dominated the battle with Harutyunyan, he didn’t excite, even when he was clearly doing harm to his opponent.” Stevenson even “needed to endure the boos of some in his hometown viewers on his option to victory. The followers clearly needed extra.” It’s too early to inform if Stevenson will impress or not when he squares off towards Cordina in Saudi Arabia, however the man could merely not be in possession of an exciting ring presence.
The Beterbiev-Bivol battle is likely one of the extra anticipated bouts of the yr for hardcore battle followers. Each males are undefeated and dominant. What’s extra, their battle has been a very long time in coming. In brief, Beterbiev and Bivol are highlighting a card of observe, the sort of card that pulls consideration. And there’s nothing mistaken with getting extra consideration in case your title is Shakur Stevenson – except that focus comes from being overwhelmed by Cordia. But it’s onerous to think about a disciplined skilled resembling Stevenson getting into the ring in Riyadh something lower than a hundred percent ready.
