Shakur Stevenson Vs. Edwin De Los Santos Public Workouts – Key Quotes

Shakur Stevenson and Edwin De Los Santos had their public workouts ahead of their fight on November 16th, 2023, as we explore their mindset in today’s boxing news. 

Both fighters will compete for the vacant WBC belt at 135 after Devin Haney was stripped, following his decision to move up to 140. Stevenson was the WBC mandatory, which then required him to face the next-highest-ranked fighter.

Vasiliy Lomachenko was the prime candidate, however, Bob Arum confirmed that the Ukrainian would not be fighting this year following his controversial loss to Haney.

Thereafter, attempts had been made to create a fight with Frank Martin. Despite an agreement appearing to be in place, Martin pulled out of the fight at the last minute.

Stevenson would confirm that Martin demanded a 50-50 split, which was not tenable given that the fighter has not ever won a world title, compared to Stevenson who is a two-division champion.

Thereafter, De Los Santos stepped in as he seeks to pull off an upset to secure his first world title. And after the workouts had been done, this is what both fighters had to say. 

Stevenson’s Comments

“I can’t wait. It’s going to be very exciting. You’ve got the tough Edwin De Los Santos, but I’m here to whoop his a**! We can’t think about what comes after. I’m not worried about after. We’ve got a job to do Thursday night. I’m coming here to get my belt. I think that Edwin is a good fighter. I think he’s more of a boxer than what he’s trying to act like. So, he’s going to try to move around. And I’m going to figure him out by the fourth round,” Stevenson 

De Los Santos’ Comments

“We are not here to hesitate. We are here to fight. We accepted the fight, and we are going for it. I think at one point I was being underestimated. But now he has accepted the reality that he is going to have a very tough fight. I feel very good because it is one of my dreams to be in Las Vegas and fight for a world title, which will happen this November 16,” De Los Santos

In the co-main event, Emanuel Navarrete will defend his WBO junior lightweight title against Robson Conceição. Navarrete picked up the vacant title after beating Liam Wilson with a ninth-round stoppage.

Thereafter, Navarrete secured the biggest win of his career by defending the title against Oscar Valdez, as he beat the three-division champion via a unanimous decision.

As for Conceição, the Brazilian lost to Shakur Stevenson in his last fight via a unanimous decision. The defeat was the boxer’s second of his career, following his loss to Oscar Valdez. In the run-up to their fight, both fighters had the following to say. 

Navarrete’s Comments

“I’m happy to be here with all of you and because you are all joining me at this public workout. And well, it’s going to be one more fight. I’m going to defend my title at 130 pounds. Obviously, we know who I am fighting. We know he is a real fighter. He is very strong and it will be difficult.

“But like always we are going to defend the title with the heart of a Mexican warrior. Being in Las Vegas is a dream for many athletes, not just boxers. I think it’s the epicenter of the most important shows in the world. I think that being here for me is an honor, and I feel very grateful to be in front of all of you,” Navarrete

Conceição’s Comments

“The day before what was going to be my last fight, I learned about this very good opportunity. I accepted it immediately. My team and I decided not to fight in order to better prepare for this fight on November 16th. It’s a very important moment for my career to be in this huge event.

“There are many good athletes who are participating in this event. We have Shakur Stevenson. We have Emanuel Navarrete, whom I admire a lot. He is a great champion. But this is my third opportunity. In the Olympic Games, I was able to win on my third attempt. And I will do the same in this third chance at a world title,” Conceição

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