Hearn: Joe Cordina In Talks To Fight Shakur Stevenson
Joe Cordina is in talks to fight Shakur Stevenson.
That is according to Eddie Hearn. Cordina is coming off the first loss of his career, losing his IBF Super Featherweight Belt against Anthony Cacace. The Welshman was stopped in the eighth round. Moving up to face Shakur at 135 will not be easy. Stevenson is an undefeated three-weight world champion. He is a highly skilled defensive boxer known for destroying his opponents’ best weapons.
Stevenson’s last few performances, however, have not gone down well. He was jeered during his wins over Edwin De Los Santos and Artem Harutyunyan. Shakur’s defensive style did not resonate with fans. However, after leaving Top Rank, Shakur can explore other options now that he is a free agent. He has been linked with a deal with Matchroom Boxing.
Stevenson Vs. Cordina
A Cordina fight offers Shakur the chance to debut in England and expand his profile. The WBC had ordered William Zepeda to fight Shakur next. There are reports that the Saudis want that fight on a Terence Crawford vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr. card. It is believed that such a card would take place in February next year. That gives Shakur plenty of time to take a fight in between and remain active. Hearn confirmed that discussions were underway.
“I’ve spoken to Joe [Cordina] about fighting Shakur Stevenson. Joe is up for it, but he also understands the challenge. Ideally, moving up a weight division, you’d probably want an easier fight than Shakur Stevenson, but Joe is at the age where he wants to be involved in the biggest fights in the sport. If he feels the opportunity is right, I’m sure he’ll take it. But nothing close yet. Discussions,” Hearn said
It is vital that Shakur puts on a good performance in his next fight to increase his star power. That has hindered him in getting the biggest fights. There is a perception that Shakur offers high-risk, with very little reward. A win against Shakur does not guarantee a big payday since he struggles to sell. Fights with Gervonta Davis and Devin Haney have been mentioned, but so far, nothing has gotten over the line.
De La Hoya Reacts
That has created the narrative that Shakur is being ducked. Oscar De La Hoya chimed on Tank Davis’ performances in comparison. Davis is known for being a knockout artist, often stopping his opponents just when it appears that they are outboxing him. De La Hoya praised Tank’s ability to change fights suddenly.
“He’s very skillful, a beast, and knows how to figure you out. The one thing I love about Tank is what I love, and this is why he’s going to be great: because he fights. When you fight, you’re going to get hit, and when you fight, you’re going to get hit, and you might get knocked out. But that’s the beauty about Tank. He fights, and that’s why they love him. That’s a perfect example. Tank Davis is a star,” De La Hoya stated
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