Terence Crawford’s desire to see Shakur Stevenson unify the 135-lb division may be rooted in good intentions, but the reality of the situation paints a different picture. Stevenson, although undefeated, has not shown the necessary talent to compete at the highest level in the lightweight division. The idea of silencing doubters and proving himself as a legitimate threat seems like a far-fetched dream when looking at his recent performances.
One of the key factors holding Stevenson back is his lack of power and courage to go toe-to-toe with the top fighters in the division. Swimming with the sharks at lightweight requires a certain level of offensive ability and a willingness to engage in exchanges. Stevenson’s tendency to avoid confrontation and rely on evasive tactics may not be enough to secure victories against elite opponents like Gervonta Davis and Vasily Lomachenko.
Stevenson’s reluctance to adapt his fighting style to the modern era of boxing is another obstacle in his path to unification. The traditional Mayweather-esque approach of hitting and not getting hit is no longer as effective in a sport that values aggression and entertainment. Judges are unlikely to reward Stevenson for his defensive strategy if it comes at the cost of engaging in meaningful exchanges with his opponents.
While there is talk of Stevenson facing off against Gervonta Davis in the near future, the likelihood of the fight actually materializing remains uncertain. Stevenson’s perceived vulnerability and Davis’ status as a high-caliber fighter may deter the matchup from happening. If Stevenson is unable to secure a fight with Davis, his chances of proving himself in the lightweight division may diminish, leaving him in a precarious position moving forward.
In the grand scheme of things, Stevenson’s journey towards unification in the lightweight division appears to be an uphill battle. The idealistic vision of shutting down critics and establishing himself as a dominant force in the division may be overshadowed by the harsh realities of his current skill set and fighting approach. The prospect of facing formidable opponents like Davis and Lomachenko poses a significant challenge that Stevenson may struggle to overcome.
Overall, while Terence Crawford’s support for Shakur Stevenson’s endeavors is commendable, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations and obstacles that lie ahead. Stevenson’s path to unification in the lightweight division is fraught with challenges that will require a significant reevaluation of his fighting style and approach to truly make a mark in the sport.