The fight world crackles with electric tension once again as Vaquero Navarrete’s promoter blasts into the fray, heaping criticism on Shakur Stevenson’s performance and fighting style. Co-promoter of the ferocious WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Emmanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete, Fernando Beltran didn’t hold back on his words, candidly expressing his views: “Shakur Stevenson is more boring than church at 3 o’clock!“
Earlier this year, Shakur Stevenson dominated Jeremiah Nakathila and secured the WBO interim junior lightweight title with a shutout unanimous decision. Despite Stevenson’s impeccable performance statistically and a straight secure standing on the scorecard, he has drawn an avalanche of criticism from boxing fans across the globe for his lack of exciting, aggressive offensive display in the ring. Seizing this opportunity, Beltran has joined the choir of critics whistling down on Stevenson.
Stevenson’s cautious and defensive strategy in the ring is seen by many as a tactical move, emphasizing the importance of intelligence in fighting. He is known for his impenetrable guard and swift, precise counter-attacks. However, Beltran, who is an advocate of adrenaline-pumping boxers and bouts, doesn’t seem to share this perspective. He perceives the action-packed, incisive fight sequences driven by raw aggression as the real essence of professional boxing.
“The crowd wants to see a fight, not a ballet,” Beltran pressed on, clearly alluding to Stevenson’s fighting style. The promoter of Navarrete — a fighter celebrated for his ruthless, swashbuckling offense — didn’t mince words when it came to expressing his preference for fan-friendly combat over the chess-like gameplay that Stevenson employs.
“Navarrete, on the other hand, is a true warrior who fights for the crowd. He respects the ticket-buying fans who want thrilling fights, and every time he steps into the ring, it’s a spectacle. He is the kind of exciting boxer the fans love to support,” Beltran further added, leaving no doubt about his proclivity towards raw, unadulterated action in boxing.
It’s worthwhile to note that Stevenson retains a perfect record, which includes 15 wins and 8 knockouts. By contrast, Navarrete has two losses on his record but also touts an impressive 28 knockouts in 34 wins, making for a burning-hot contrast of fight styles and approaches.
The sharp criticism from Beltran may fuel the growing anticipation for a possible future clash between Navarrete and Stevenson. The boxing world has been eagerly waiting for an announcement about the bout, which promises to be a thrilling encounter between two fighters with starkly distinct styles. Still, it remains uncertain whether Stevenson would risk his nimble approach against the Navarrete’s raw power.
The stark divide in sentiments reflects in the fan base as well. While some fans appreciate Stevenson’s calculated approach, others echo Beltran’s sentiments, craving the exhilarating thrill of an old-school slugfest. Regardless of opinion, it is clear that boxing is not merely about the punches thrown and received; it’s equally about the fighters’ charisma, their mental acuity, and their capability to entertain the crowd.
Until a potential bout materializes, the debate stirred by Beltran’s statement is sure to keep the boxing fanatics around the globe latched onto their screens and invested in this ever-evolving saga of Fight world. Yet as starkly put by Beltran, one thing remains unarguable in this debate – the pure, unadulterated entertainment that the crowd-favourite, action-laden bouts guarantee. And more often than not, that’s what boxing aficionados yearn for – pure, pulsating action.
