Boxing analyst Paulie Malignaggi believes that the highly anticipated showdown between Vasily Lomachenko and Shakur Stevenson will happen in the near future. He envisions Stevenson emerging victorious in what he views as a significant “changing of the guard” moment in the sport of boxing.
Their promoter, Bob Arum, has expressed a strong desire to see this fight come to fruition. While Lomachenko has the option to face Gervonta Davis, Arum is willing to offer him a better deal to choose Stevenson as his next opponent. Despite Stevenson’s limited popularity outside of New Jersey and unengaging fighting style, Arum sees the potential in this bout.
Malignaggi acknowledges that Stevenson faces challenges in gaining the recognition and support of boxing fans. He attributes this to Stevenson’s defensive style of fighting, which some find unappealing. Comparing him to Lomachenko, Malignaggi emphasizes the need for Stevenson to overcome these hurdles to solidify his status in the sport.
Malignaggi points out the contrasting styles of Lomachenko and Stevenson. While Lomachenko is known for his technical skills and ability to force opponents to quit, Stevenson relies heavily on his jab and lacks offensive diversity. Malignaggi questions whether Stevenson’s strategy would be enough to secure victory against the seasoned Lomachenko.
If the fight between Lomachenko and Stevenson materializes, it is likely to take place on the East Coast, with Newark being a probable location. This setting could pose a challenge for Lomachenko, as he may need a knockout to secure a victory. The prospect of facing Stevenson in his hometown adds another layer of complexity to the matchup.
Malignaggi raises concerns about the financial viability of a Lomachenko-Stevenson bout, particularly in terms of ticket sales and pay-per-view buys. He suggests that the fight’s appeal may be limited due to Stevenson’s perceived lack of excitement in the ring. From a business standpoint, Lomachenko may have better prospects against other opponents.
Malignaggi envisions Stevenson as a formidable force in the lightweight division, capable of defeating Lomachenko and ascending to new heights in his career. While acknowledging Lomachenko’s resilience and track record of facing tough opponents, Malignaggi remains skeptical of his chances against Stevenson. The potential matchup between these two fighters promises to be a compelling spectacle that could shape the future of boxing.