Terence Crawford, a talented boxer himself, has expressed his desire to see WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson unify the 135-lb division and prove his worth in the ring. However, the reality of the situation may be different from what Crawford envisions. Stevenson has yet to demonstrate the necessary talent to unify at 135, and his performance in recent fights has left much to be desired. It is evident that he lacks the power and courage to compete with the top fighters in the lightweight division. Stevenson’s style, characterized by evasion and lack of aggression, has resulted in criticism and skepticism from fans and analysts alike.
While Crawford applauds Stevenson for keeping his name in the media and engaging with fans, it is essential to address the flaws in his boxing style. Stevenson’s tendency to avoid exchanges and adopt a defensive strategy may have worked in the past but is not sufficient to succeed in the lightweight division. Judges and critics are unlikely to favor Stevenson’s approach if he continues to prioritize evasion over engagement. The lack of offensive output and reluctance to stay in the pocket could be his downfall against more aggressive and skilled opponents.
Crawford’s desire to see Stevenson face elite fighters like Gervonta Davis and Vasily Lomachenko reflects a belief in his potential to compete at a higher level. However, the risks associated with such matchups cannot be ignored. Stevenson may struggle against opponents with superior offensive skills and experience in the ring. Facing Davis or Lomachenko could result in a humbling defeat for Stevenson and a setback in his career. The likelihood of him emerging victorious in these matchups is slim, given his current performance and style of boxing.
Stevenson’s upcoming fight against WBA champion Gervonta Davis presents a significant challenge that could define his career trajectory. While there is interest from Davis’ camp in a potential matchup, the odds of the fight actually happening remain uncertain. Stevenson’s reluctance to view Davis as a superior opponent and his perceived vulnerability in recent fights may hinder negotiations and prevent the bout from taking place. The outcome of this potential fight could have lasting consequences for Stevenson’s reputation and future prospects in the lightweight division.
In the world of professional boxing, success is not guaranteed, and fighters must continually prove themselves against tough competition. Stevenson’s journey to unify the lightweight division and silence his critics may be fraught with obstacles and challenges. Crawford’s vision for Stevenson’s career may be well-intentioned, but the harsh realities of the sport could ultimately dictate the outcome. Stevenson’s ability to adapt and evolve as a fighter will be tested in the face of adversity and formidable opponents.
The dreams and aspirations set forth by Terence Crawford for Shakur Stevenson may be idealistic and ambitious, but the practicality of achieving them remains uncertain. Stevenson’s boxing style and performance in recent fights raise questions about his readiness to take on top competitors in the lightweight division. While there is potential for growth and development in his career, the challenges and obstacles ahead are significant. Only time will tell if Stevenson can rise to the occasion and fulfill the expectations placed upon him by his peers and fans.