Tonight, two undefeated 130 pound champions meet live at the MGM Grand Garden Arena as WBC Super Featherweight champion Oscar Valdez (30-0, 23 KO) meets WBO Super Featherweight title holder Shakur Stevenson (17-0, 9 KO)
Oscar Valdez vs Shakur Stevenson Preview
Though both are undefeated champions, the similarities end there. Shakur Stevenson, 25, is a rising star in the sports. The Newark native began boxing at the age of five, under the tutelage of his grandfather. Stevenson won 200 amateur fights as well as a silver medal in 2016, which culminated to his title earning victory over Jamal Herring in October of last year.
Citing boxing legends such as Andre Ward, Pernell Whitaker, Sugar Ray Leonard and Floyd Mayweather, Shakur has modeled his style after these defensive minded greats which has raised the speculation of Stevenson being the next big thing in Boxing.
WBC title holder Oscar Valdez however has different plans for those expectations. Like Stevenson, the Mexico native also was an Olympian . Valdez eventually went on to win the WBC title over Miguel Berchelt in a dominating performance. Valdez landed a ferocious left hook that halted the fight in the 10th round, producing a title win and a knockout of the year finish.
In his most recent fight, Valdez tested positive for a banned substance before his previous fight against Robson Consencao in Tucson, Arizona, which set the boxing world ablaze with accusations of a tainted title reign.
Fight Implications
Stevenson has been very vocal over social media about Valdez constantly avoiding the match up with him, as well as criticism over Valdez’s substance scandal. However, the Nogales, Mexico native has remained calm and is sure that he will have answers in the ring for the young prospect. Valdez would be smart to rely on his height and reach advantage as well as his fight stopping power. Bettors have taken notice with a change in pre-fight odds. You can find those on sites such as casino.netbet.co.uk.
The result of this fight will undoubtedly answer many questions surrounding their individual standings and respective careers. For Oscar Valdez, it is a story of redemption for himself, as well as his stable of trainer Eddy Reynoso who also trains with Canelo Alvarez, who he himself has seen a similar scandal and road to redemption. For Shakur Stevenson, it is all about having a coming out party as this win would usher in a new era in boxing as a unified super featherweight champion and proving his expectations are accurate and true.
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