Shakur Stevenson vs Edwin De Los Santos to Name a WBC Champ
Shakur Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs) finally has an opponent lined up to fight for the vacant WBC lightweight title. According to ESPN, Stevenson and Edwin De Los Santos (16-1, 14 KOs) have agreed to a fight on November 16 for the vacant belt. The bout will occur in Las Vegas, Nevada, on the four-letter network.
HOW DID THINGS GET TO THIS POINT
The belt became vacant when the WBC stripped former undisputed 135-pound champion Devin Haney and named him Champion in Recess. Then, the sanctioning body ruled that Stevenson must face the highest available challenger for the vacant title.
Stevenson thought that he would face Frank “The Ghost” Martin for the WBC title. The two fighters agreed to a deal. But inexplicably, Martin walked away and withdrew from the contest.
Team Stevenson went on to seek other options. With De Los Santos being next in line according to the WBC lightweight rankings, representatives for Stevenson and De Los Santos went to work behind the scenes in hopes of hammering out a deal.
BOXER VERSUS PUNCHER
Many boxing enthusiasts consider Stevenson one of the most skilled fighters in the sport. The 26-year-old southpaw is very adept at making opponents fight at his pace. Stevenson is quick, accurate, and has a terrific defense.
A fellow lefty, De Los Santos is one of the biggest punchers in the division. Only 23, he is an aggressive fighter with good hand speed and loves to put opponents in position to connect with his powerful straight left hands and right hooks.
De Los Santos has wanted a fight with Stevenson. That opportunity will come with a world title at stake.
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