By: Sean Crose
WBC light-weight titlist Shakur Stevenson will likely be dealing with Joe Cordina on the Artur Beterbirev-Dmitry Bivol undisputed gentle 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 comfortable to have Stevenson preventing in his homeland. Talking of Stevenson to ESPN, Alalshikh claimed “there’s an enormous battle with him sooner or later.”
Whereas it’s true that Stevenson-Cordina isn’t a “large battle,” the 32 12 months outdated Cordina is a former world titlist who as soon as held the IBF tremendous featherweight crown. Certainly, Stevenson will likely be Crodina’s first opponent for the reason that Welshman misplaced his title to Cacace earlier this 12 months. Stevenson was alleged to be dealing with rising star William Zepeda, nevertheless it appears to be like like that battle could also be subsequent – supplied Stevenson will get previous Cordina within the fall. Ought to Cordina pull off the upset, he’ll certainly develop into the toast of the game. Stevenson, nonetheless is lauded for being one of many nice skills of this period.
Sadly for Stevenson, he doesn’t at all times current as essentially the most gratifying 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 approach to victory. The followers clearly wished 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 12 months for hardcore battle followers. Each males are undefeated and dominant. What’s extra, their battle has been a very long time in coming. Briefly, Beterbiev and Bivol are highlighting a card of notice, the form of card that pulls consideration. And there’s nothing improper 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 coming into the ring in Riyadh something lower than a hundred percent ready.
