Shakur Stevenson Says Defeating Oscar Valdez Places Him on Pound for Pound List
On April 30 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, a junior lightweight unification bout will take place as WBC champion Oscar Valdez (30-0, 23 KOs) will lock horns with WBO champ “Fearless” Shakur Stevenson (17-0, 9 KOs), live on ESPN. The kickoff presser took place on March 9 in Vegas. Both fighters looked very confident. Talking to the media afterward, Stevenson was excited to put his talents on display.
READY TO SHOW HIS SUPERIORITY
Given his slick boxing skills, many would anticipate the WBO champ to make it strictly an outside fight. But during an interview with FightHype, the 24-year-old southpaw said he plans to mix up his attack, outside and up close. In his mind, he’s better than Valdez in every department.
“I feel like it’s going to be a great fight, but I’m the better fighter. I’m going to outclass him. I’m going to be better than him. I’m going to beat him up and do everything I’ve been saying I’m going to do.”
Valdez has been knocked down twice and has been in some wars during his career. Stevenson sees that as a sign of someone possibly on the decline. While not known as a puncher, Stevenson told Fight Hype to not be surprised if he stops the reigning WBC champ.
TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL
In his last outing, Stevenson TKO’d Jamel Herring in ten rounds to capture the WBO title in October 2021. It was a dominant performance which made him a two-division world champion. Feeling he’s on the verge of stardom, the fearless one believes a win over Valdez would boost his standing even more.
“I feel like you should put me on the pound for pound list. I feel like I’m one of the best fighters in boxing after I dismantle him. I’m telling y’all, come April 30, I’m going to put on a show.”
Should he defeat Valdez, especially in dominant fashion, many would consider him the best in the world at 130. It would also be a perfect setup for an eventual move up to the lightweight division. Based on what he conveyed during this press event, Shakur Stevenson is ready to make a statement.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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