Shakur Stevenson, the WBC lightweight champion, has been positioned in a rare undercard slot for the upcoming Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry event. This demotion comes on the heels of disappointing performances that have caused a loss of appeal with fans. Rather than facing more suitable opponents like Raymond Muratalla or Edwin De Los Santos, Stevenson will be taking on Joe Cordina in the chief support bout, a decision that has left many fans scratching their heads.
The one shining moment on the undercard appears to be the heavyweight rematch between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke. This matchup promises to be the highlight of the event, offering fans an exciting clash to look forward to amidst an otherwise lackluster lineup.
While Wardley vs. Clarke may offer some fireworks, the rest of the undercard seems to be filled with showcase fights. Known fighters are slated to face off against opponents they are almost guaranteed to beat, making for a less than thrilling viewing experience for fans. The imbalance between quality matchups and one-sided affairs raises questions about the overall excitement of the event.
Middleweight contender Chris Eubank Jr. also finds himself in a puzzling matchup against Kamil Szeremeta, a non-contender in the division. Eubank Jr.’s insistence on facing lesser opponents despite his years in the sport and aspirations for a fight against top-tier competitors like Canelo Alvarez is perplexing. The missed opportunity to showcase Eubank Jr. against a more formidable opponent is a disappointment for fans hoping to see him challenged at a higher level.
While the upcoming Matchroom Boxing event boasts the highly anticipated Beterbiev vs. Dmitry main event, the undercard leaves much to be desired. With lackluster matchups and an imbalance between showcase fights and competitive bouts, the event may struggle to maintain the interest of fans. As the night approaches, it remains to be seen whether the main event will be enough to redeem an underwhelming undercard lineup.