BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
The announcement of WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson facing Joe Cordina on October 12th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has sparked mixed reactions among boxing fans. Stevenson, known for his exceptional skills in the ring, has raised eyebrows by choosing Cordina as his next opponent. Cordina, coming off a loss to Anthony Cacace, is not a popular choice for Stevenson, especially given the lack of competitive edge in his recent fights.
Placing the Shakur-Cordina fight in a prominent position on the undercard raises concerns about the potential risk of a lackluster performance. Stevenson’s recent fights against Artem Harutyunyan and Edwin De Los Santos have left fans disappointed, with many criticizing his timid approach in the ring. Given this track record, there is a fear that fans may be left wanting more if Stevenson fails to deliver an exciting fight against Cordina.
The decision to match Stevenson against another opponent coming off a loss adds to the skepticism surrounding this fight. With Cordina recently losing his IBF super featherweight title, it raises doubts about the level of competition he will bring to the ring against Stevenson. Many boxing fans have voiced their disappointment in the matchmaking process, suggesting that Stevenson should have faced more challenging opponents to truly test his skills at the lightweight level.
Critics argue that Stevenson missed opportunities to elevate his status in the division by selecting a more formidable opponent. Names like Andy Cruz, Raymond Muratalla, Floyd Schofield, or Edwin De Los Santos have been suggested as viable options for Stevenson to showcase his talent against. By opting for Cordina, who lacks recognition in the U.S. boxing scene, Stevenson may have missed a chance to make a statement and solidify his position as a top lightweight contender.
Looking ahead, Stevenson’s decision to sign a one-fight deal with Matchroom and the possibility of negotiating with Gervonta Davis in the future adds another layer of complexity to his career. While the fight against Cordina may not generate significant buzz, it will be interesting to see how Stevenson performs and if he can overcome the criticisms of his recent fights. The outcome of this bout could shape Stevenson’s trajectory in the lightweight division and pave the way for potential blockbuster matchups in the future.
The announcement of Shakur Stevenson facing Joe Cordina on October 12th in Riyadh has ignited debates within the boxing community. The choice of opponent, the risk of a disappointing performance, and missed opportunities for more challenging matchups have all been points of contention. As the fight date approaches, all eyes will be on Stevenson to see if he can silence his critics and prove that he belongs among the elite in the lightweight division.
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