Shakur Stevenson and Joet Gonzalez Come to Terms!
Since Oscar Valdez decided to vacate the WBO Featherweight title in order to campaign in the super featherweight division, 3KingsBoxing has been keeping you updated as far as who will fight for the vacant 126-pound title.
As previously reported, the WBO ordered #1 ranked Shakur Stevenson to face #2 ranked Joet Gonzalez to negotiate a deal. The victor will claim the vacant featherweight title. They had until September 14 to come to terms.
Well, here’s an update on the situation. 3KingsBoxing has now learned that the representatives for both Stevenson and Gonzalez have come to terms as of late Friday evening, September 6.
Both Carl Moretti (VP for Top Rank) and Eric Gomez (President of Golden Boy Promotions) disclosed the news to ESPN that Stevenson and Gomez will battle for the vacant WBO title on October 26 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada.
The bout will be the main event of a televised card on ESPN+. Expect an official announcement on September 13.
“I need a contract from Top Rank and then Joet and Frank have to sign off on it. But Carl and I are good.”
Carl Moretti – Vice President of Top Rank
Stevenson has been on the fast-track towards a world title from the beginning of his career. The talented former 2016 Olympic Silver medalist was very impressive in his last two outings over former world junior lightweight title challenger Christopher Diaz and Alberto Guevara.
For Gonzalez, his career has been guided at a slower pace, but has improved steadily with each and every fight. In his last fight, a stoppage win over Manuel Avila, Gonzalez didn’t just win he dominated.
On paper, Stevenson – Gonzalez looks to be a chess match between two young, skilled and highly competent boxers.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
