As the WBC lightweight champion, Shakur Stevenson is gearing up for his title defense against William Zepeda on July 12. He’s not just facing a challenger, but also dealing with heavy criticism about his fighting style. Recently, remarks from Saudi Arabian adviser Turki Alalshikh about combat strategies in boxing have sparked controversy.
Stevenson, who holds a record of 23 wins and 11 knockouts, has been labeled by some as a boring fighter, leading to proposals of enforcing a smaller ring to limit his mobility in the ring. As he prepares for this critical bout, Stevenson is unflinching in the face of detractors.
“F— them, they don’t f—ing matter. They aren’t the ones getting in that ring,” Stevenson expressed, emphasizing his right to fight his fight.
The upcoming fight, coinciding with Alalshikh’s new “The Ring” series, is set to be the first boxing event at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens. While Stevenson appreciates Alalshikh’s efforts to set up the match, he openly criticized his recent anti-running directive aimed at boxers avoiding direct contact, arguing it undervalues traditional boxing movements.
This decision aligns with Alalshikh’s disdain for what he dubs “Tom and Jerry” fights, referencing a significant decline in action seen in recent high-profile matches.
In response to Alalshikh’s tweet asserting:
“From this point on, I don’t want to see any more Tom and Jerry-type boxing matches where one fighter is running around the ring and the other is chasing him,” Stevenson voiced his concerns at a press conference.
He criticized the implication that fighters like Bud Crawford—noted for their agility and strategic footwork—are disreputable. “Every fighter deserves respect, regardless of their style,” he stated, drawing parallels to legends like Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, who often thrived using movement in the ring.
The bout against Zepeda is critical for both fighters, and while Stevenson expresses a measure of disappointment about being placed in the co-main event, he recognizes the challenges ahead in this evolving landscape of professional boxing.
