Nothing rattles Shakur Stevenson. Whether it’s perpetual pressure from an opposing fighter or relentless boos emanating from the crowd wishing for more action, nothing gets under his skin.
This past weekend, Josh Padley’s normally effective offense was rendered useless as Stevenson bobbed, weaved, pivoted, and slyly got out of the way of every punch thrown in his direction.
Normally, the three judges sitting ringside are Stevenson’s best friends, but this time around, they weren’t needed. Once The Ring’s No. 4 ranked lightweight scored the ninth round stoppage, microphones and cameras were tossed in his face. Padley though, was an afterthought as most, if not all, of their questions were centered around Gervonta Davis.
The division’s WBA champion is known for putting a beating on his opponents before eventually putting them out of their misery. Stevenson, who didn’t have a single mark on his face, and usually never does, went from interviewer to interviewee. With Stevenson now holding the microphone, he asked a group of reporters a series of questions.
“How is he gonna hit me? How is he gonna land his punches on me?” he said.
This coming weekend in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, the eyes of the boxing world shift from Stevenson to Davis. At times, fighters act as if their rivals don’t exist. Stevenson though, won’t pretend like he won’t be watching Davis. Whether he’s under the bright lights like he will be this weekend, shadowboxing, or just grabbing something to eat, Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) is watching and studying Davis’ every move.
At this point, he has enough notes on his man to fill out an entire book. When the time is right and the two agree to share the ring with one another, Stevenson will pull his binder out and use everything he’s learned to pick up the win.
The Newark native added: “I done watched how many Gervonta Davis fights? I done been in the ring with him before. I know a lot of things. I can’t wait for it to happen.”