BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
Gervonta Davis’ assistant coach, Kenny Ellis, recently took to Instagram to mock the upcoming fight between Shakur Stevenson and Joe Cordina for the WBC lightweight title on October 12th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Ellis sarcastically referred to the fight as “huge” and encouraged fans to purchase tickets quickly. Despite Stevenson’s perfect record, he has faced backlash for selecting Cordina as his opponent. The criticism stems from Cordina’s recent knockout loss, lack of experience at the 135lb weight class, and overall lack of public demand for the matchup.
Inappropriate Placement
The decision to include Stevenson vs Cordina as a co-feature on the Beterbiev vs Bivol card in Riyadh has raised eyebrows within the boxing community. Many view the matchup as incongruous with the prestige of the event, likening it to serving a plate of liver alongside a sirloin steak. The choice to place this fight on such a grand stage seems misguided, given the lack of interest and relevance surrounding the bout.
Shakur Stevenson’s strategy of trying to elevate his status to set up a potential fight against Gervonta Davis may be ill-advised. Despite his aspiration to boost his popularity, Stevenson’s recent lackluster performances have tarnished his reputation. His decision to face Cordina, a former IBF super featherweight champion coming off a knockout loss, appears unlikely to enhance his credibility in the eyes of critics.
Cordina’s power presents a significant threat to Stevenson, potentially discouraging the latter from adopting an aggressive fighting style. While Cordina’s vulnerability was exposed in his loss to Cacace, it remains uncertain whether Stevenson possesses the resilience to engage in a similar manner. Stevenson’s reluctance to take risks may impede his ability to secure a convincing victory, thereby undermining his efforts to assert himself as a formidable opponent in the lightweight division.
The upcoming matchup between Shakur Stevenson and Joe Cordina appears to be a misguided attempt at achieving star status. The lack of public interest, inappropriate placement on a prestigious card, and Stevenson’s risk-averse approach all contribute to the skepticism surrounding this fight. Stevenson’s decision to face Cordina may ultimately hinder rather than advance his quest for recognition and respect in the boxing world.
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