Shakur Stevenson Emphasizes Discipline and Preparation in Dominant Victory Over López
In a thrilling performance at Madison Square Garden, Shakur Stevenson solidified his position as one of the sport's elite boxers with a decisive victory over Teófimo López. The 28-year-old American outboxed the durable champion over 12 rounds, claiming the four-division world championship in the process.
Stevenson credited his disciplined training regimen and extensive film study for the win. "I put the work in," he said. "I stayed disciplined throughout my camp. I was in tremendous shape." He also acknowledged that López is a formidable opponent who pushed him to his limits. "He's a hell of a fighter, but I was the better man tonight."
The young boxer's jab proved to be a key factor in his success, as he repeatedly used it to control distance and disrupt López's rhythm. Stevenson claimed that he had mentally broken down López early on, feeling in control throughout much of the fight. "Yeah, I definitely did," he said when asked if he felt he had demoralized his opponent.
Stevenson also emphasized the importance of his preparation, stating that studying film helped him anticipate López's movements and tendencies. "I studied them all," he said. "Everything I saw on tape was there tonight." He also suggested that this level of preparation could be a deciding factor in future fights, including potentially lucrative bouts against top contenders.
One such contender is Conor Benn, whom Stevenson expressed interest in facing if terms can be agreed. However, negotiations may hinge on weight and contractual terms. "If he's not going to agree, then we probably don't fight," Stevenson said.
Ultimately, Stevenson framed his victory as a defining career moment, particularly given the age and pedigree of López. For him, Saturday's performance represented more than just another title win – it was confirmation that he belongs among the sport's best.
As Stevenson looks ahead to his next move, he emphasized the importance of balancing legacy with financial opportunity. "I gotta go back to the drawing board and get in front of my management team and see who is going to bring the biggest money fight and the biggest legacy fight," he said.
With a new world championship under his belt, Stevenson is poised to take on the biggest challenges in the sport. And based on his impressive performance against López, it's clear that he has the talent, discipline, and preparation necessary to succeed at the highest level.
In a thrilling performance at Madison Square Garden, Shakur Stevenson solidified his position as one of the sport's elite boxers with a decisive victory over Teófimo López. The 28-year-old American outboxed the durable champion over 12 rounds, claiming the four-division world championship in the process.
Stevenson credited his disciplined training regimen and extensive film study for the win. "I put the work in," he said. "I stayed disciplined throughout my camp. I was in tremendous shape." He also acknowledged that López is a formidable opponent who pushed him to his limits. "He's a hell of a fighter, but I was the better man tonight."
The young boxer's jab proved to be a key factor in his success, as he repeatedly used it to control distance and disrupt López's rhythm. Stevenson claimed that he had mentally broken down López early on, feeling in control throughout much of the fight. "Yeah, I definitely did," he said when asked if he felt he had demoralized his opponent.
Stevenson also emphasized the importance of his preparation, stating that studying film helped him anticipate López's movements and tendencies. "I studied them all," he said. "Everything I saw on tape was there tonight." He also suggested that this level of preparation could be a deciding factor in future fights, including potentially lucrative bouts against top contenders.
One such contender is Conor Benn, whom Stevenson expressed interest in facing if terms can be agreed. However, negotiations may hinge on weight and contractual terms. "If he's not going to agree, then we probably don't fight," Stevenson said.
Ultimately, Stevenson framed his victory as a defining career moment, particularly given the age and pedigree of López. For him, Saturday's performance represented more than just another title win – it was confirmation that he belongs among the sport's best.
As Stevenson looks ahead to his next move, he emphasized the importance of balancing legacy with financial opportunity. "I gotta go back to the drawing board and get in front of my management team and see who is going to bring the biggest money fight and the biggest legacy fight," he said.
With a new world championship under his belt, Stevenson is poised to take on the biggest challenges in the sport. And based on his impressive performance against López, it's clear that he has the talent, discipline, and preparation necessary to succeed at the highest level.