Shakur Stevenson Raises Expectations for Miguel Marriaga
For the talented boxer “Fearless” Shakur Stevenson (13-0, 7 KO’s) his Saturday March 14 bout will be extremely bitter sweet. On the one hand, he will be making the first defense of his WBO world featherweight title in the iconic Madison Square Garden. Not only will he undertake this this notable fight, he will do so against the very capable and crafty Miguel “The Scorpion” Marriaga (29-3, 25 KO’s). If victorious, Stevenson will claim a mighty impressive feather for his cap.
On the other hand however, due to the worldwide reaction to the ever sweeping coronavirus, there will be no fans in attendance. It should go without saying that this last minute alteration has come as a major buzzkill for both Fearless and the Scorpion. Nevertheless, Stevenson appears to be taking everything in stride and has remained focus on the task at hand.
“I feel like it’s going to be a little sparring match and Marriaga is tough. He is going to bring the fight and it’s going to be a good fight…I think he is a hell of a fighter, I think it’ll [be like a sparring session] just because the people are not going to be there.”
REBUILT FOR ACTION
In terms of the bout itself, Stevenson has saddled himself with the very lofty goal of not only defeating Marriaga, but beating him up. Fearless is well aware of the fact that Marriaga has already amassed three loses on his professional ledger.
He is also cognizant of the fact that the Scorpion has only lost to top tier competition (Vasiliy Lomachanko, Oscar Valdez and Nicholas Walters). However, even in defeat, Stevenson does not believe that anyone has ever truly roughed up the Columbian. This is where the WBO featherweight champion wants to separate himself from the pack.
“He done fought in three tough fights with three [champions]. He lost to Nicholas Walters, gave him an L, he lost to Valdez, gave him an L, Lomachenko couldn’t really do whatever he wanted to. I think I am going to be the first fighter that actually beats him up.”
“…I feel like I want to be a lot more offensive, I want to go out there and get these guys out of there, especially with nobody being there, I ain’t getting paid for overtime.”
RESPECT FOR HIS FOE
Just because Stevenson wants to, and feels that he will, tap-dance on Marriaga’s spine does not mean he has a lack of respect for his next foe. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. When Stevenson looks at Marriaga, rather than viewing a patsy being led to slaughter like a sacrificial lamb, Fearless sees a dangerous fighter who will demand his total attention and respect.
“Saturday night I got a hard test in front of me. It’s not like I got an easy fight in front of me. So I ain’t even looking right there right now, I’m looking at Marriaga.”
It appears that it will be highstakes drama when Stevenson slips through the ropes and attempts to make good on his big words. Regardless of who prevails, this should be a good one for however long it lasts!
By: Bakari Simpson
