Shakur Stevenson Should Unify with WBC Champion Dalton Smith
WBO 140-pound champion Shakur “Fearless” Stevenson can exact a form of revenge on the WBC by defeating the organization’s champion, Dalton “Thunder” Smith, in a unification. Furthermore, a victory for Fearless would cement him as the man of the division.
The boxing world expressed its dislike for the WBC after they stripped Stevenson of the lightweight title. This decision by the organization came literally days after the New Jersey native dominated the former champion, Teofimo Lopez. Rightfully so, Fearless wasn’t happy about the decision and will probably remain in the junior welterweight division.
If he is looking for a way to stick it to the WBC, winning the title and refusing to pay the sanctioning fees again would cause instant chaos. The organization would have to scramble to put together another fight to crown a champion, putting any other business on hold.
A UNIFICATION IS THE BETTER OPTION
Smith is coming off an incredible, shocking knockout victory over two-time champion Subriel Matias. He expressed an interest in fighting the winner of Lopez vs Stevenson shortly after winning the title. Moreover, his stock value has increased tenfold with that impressive win, and his style would make for an entertaining fight.
The boxing community would like to see the WBO champion go up in weight and challenge WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney. However, Stevenson wants a rehydration clause of 10 pounds to fight any welterweight. Haney would balk at that request, considering he could rematch Ryan Garcia in a possible unification match.
The remaining question is whether Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn pulls the trigger on making the fight. Both champions fight under the same banner, and it would be a huge financial event in the United Kingdom. Or perhaps Turki Alalshikh can be convinced to stage the fight in Saudi Arabia.
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