Oscar Valdez, the former WBC super featherweight champion, has some bold opinions when it comes to the potential showdown between Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Shakur Stevenson. The Mexican fighter, who has shared the ring with both of these boxers in the past, believes that Gervonta Davis’ only chance of beating Shakur Stevenson would be through a knockout. Otherwise, Valdez argues, Davis is likely to be knocked out himself.
Gervonta vs. Shakur: A Clash of Styles
Oscar Valdez’s prediction comes after years of observing both Gervonta and Shakur’s career trajectories. While Davis is known for his ferocious knockout power, Stevenson is regarded as a highly skilled and tactical fighter. Valdez, who faced Stevenson in 2022, experienced firsthand Shakur’s exceptional ring IQ and defensive abilities, which he describes as a nightmare for any aggressive fighter.
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Shakur Stevenson, a two-weight world champion, has impressed with his speed, precision, and ability to control the pace of a fight. He rarely makes mistakes, and his elusive style makes him a difficult target for power punchers like Davis. In Valdez’s view, it’s Shakur’s ability to outbox opponents, coupled with his composure in the ring, that gives him a significant advantage over someone like Gervonta.
Gervonta’s Knockout Power: The X-Factor
Despite Valdez’s confidence in Stevenson’s abilities, he acknowledges that Gervonta Davis’ knockout power remains a huge threat. Tank has been known for finishing fights with a single punch, and his ability to land devastating blows from any angle makes him one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport. However, Valdez believes that even Davis’ explosive power might not be enough to break through Shakur’s defense unless he can land that perfect shot.
Valdez suggests that the only way Gervonta could defeat Stevenson would be by scoring a knockout. With his aggressive fighting style and exceptional punching power, Davis has the tools to make it happen. But he’ll have to get past Shakur’s skillful defense and ring generalship, which has already proven difficult for other opponents.
The Flip Side: Shakur’s Path to Victory
On the other hand, Valdez believes that if the fight goes the distance, it’s Stevenson who would come out on top. Valdez’s own experience in the ring with Shakur left him with a deep respect for his ability to stay calm under pressure, avoid taking damage, and win rounds with his precision. If the fight turns into a boxing match, Valdez suggests that Shakur will outbox Gervonta, eventually leading to a knockout of his own.
Conclusion: High Stakes for Gervonta
Valdez’s comments highlight just how crucial the fight between Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson will be for both fighters. It’s a true clash of styles: one fighter relying on raw power and the other on skill and ring intelligence. Oscar Valdez seems to believe that if Gervonta can’t land a knockout punch, he will be at the mercy of Shakur’s superior boxing technique.
The fight is shaping up to be an exciting spectacle, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Davis, the path to victory is clear—he needs to land the big punch. But if he can’t, Shakur Stevenson might just be the one to send him to the canvas.
