Super Shakur can become boxing’s next star
Plus, fun time over for Fundora and Attila's last stand
Step forward Shakur Stevenson, boxing’s blossoming superstar. Ever since the Olympics this silky southpaw with a buck toothed grin has been moulded into the next great hope of American boxing.
Now campaigning at lightweight, there are natural rivals aplenty waiting to rumble with the young master. After posting a sixth-round stoppage win in the Prudential Center, Stevenson looked physically filled out and as sharp as ever.
Photo credit: Top Rank/ESPN
In truth, Shakur was just too good for unbeaten Japanese opponent Shuichiro Yoshino. It’s the kind of performance that might see him getting ducked by some esteemed rivals. The Newark mover isn’t a huge puncher; it’s the timing and shot selection that just flows so beautifully when he lets the combinations loose.
Overall it was a comfortable night’s work for Stevenson who planted his feet, dug in the heels and showed that extra bit of devil in his work. The poise remained. His defensive posture was still intact. But the finishing instincts hit overdrive and his desire to end matters inside the distance forced a way through.
The timing of the referee’s intervention was a little odd but the writing was on the wall for poor Yoshino who had been drafted in as a sacrificial lamb with a pleasing record. Stevenson officially announced himself as a key player at 135 with the minimum of fuss.
His hometown crowd loved it. ESPN loved it. Bob Arum, Mark Kriegel and anyone else associated with the rising 25-year-old loved it. As quickly as Teofimo Lopez exited the lightweight stage, thus busting up the Four Kings narrative, another contender for the throne slid in seamlessly behind him.
Afterwards, Shakur called out Devin Haney. If ‘The Dream’ can get past Vasyl Lomachenko on May 20, and continues to drag his frame down to the limit, then it is a natural clash of unbeaten American slicksters.
‘FREAKY’ FUNDORA IN SHOCK FELLING
While Shakur was busy pounding out a statement victory, across the country Sebastian Fundora was busy getting poleaxed in a serious career derailment. The ending was swift and brutal, which made it all the more shocking.
Shedding off the initial label of being a circus show attraction, spindly Fundora had found a style that works for him. Eschewing traditional wisdom that suggested his best option would be to stand off and use his tremendous physical attributes to outbox opponents, Sebastian instead stood in the trenches. Not only did this approach seem to be working, but he was revelling in the role of inside brawler.
After dismissing some of the usual suspects on his path to world title relevance, Fundora added credibility with a bruising ninth-round retirement of Erickson Lubin. Despite being knocked down himself, Fundora effectively rearranged Lubin’s face. However, just like spidery southpaw Paul Williams who was spectacularly knocked out by Sergio Martinez in 2010, Fundora eventually brawled just a little too much and came a cropper.
Arriving in the Dignity Health Sports Park sporting a 21-2 record, Brian Mendoza’s numbers accurately told the story. 21 wins against guys he’s capable of beating. Two losses on the times he’s gradually stepped up in class (inflicted by Larry Gomez and Jesus Ramos). 16 KOs showing that he’s not Deontay Wilder but holds the ability to bang when necessary.
For the first six rounds it was all too easy for Fundora. Not that Mendoza wasn’t trying, but his punches were second best as Fundora moved him, shook him and spun his head about with a rapid volume. Brian’s beard was sturdy, although his face was busting up and it was starting to slip into the realms of uncomfortable viewing.
Mendoza’s finishing rally in the seventh was a thing of sudden beauty. Lashing Fundora’s chin, the Californian’s senses were suddenly in orbit as the ref tried to count him back in to existence. Too late, his evening was done and career prospects severely dented.
ON THIS WEEKEND…15 APRIL 2004
Rewind almost 20 years to the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York where promoter Cedric Kushner was parading the big men out on Showtime. Kushner (who died in 2015) always had an eye for a heavyweight and this occasion was no different. One-time prospect Jeremy Williams knocked out Attila Levin in the main event. I actually recall watching this fight at the time (well, a few weeks later on DVD).
Levin was a talented Swede whose sole defeat had arrived in the same Ballroom location almost four years earlier. Rocking up with Angelo Dundee in his corner, ‘The Hun’ was unable to perform and Williams stopped him in round eight. The rebuilding process was over and Levin skulked back to Europe to see out his career at fringe world title/European level.
Providing ample support, American behemoth Jameel McCline needed only a round to demolish London puncher Wayne Llewellyn. ‘Big Time’ was a giant for the era, but would just fit in with today’s heavies. He was two fights removed from a defeat against WBO champion Wladimir Klitschko and did well for himself as a capable gatekeeper type.
Jameel McCline went into politics after retiring
Also on the card was Israel’s Roman Greenberg who was expected to do big things by his handler Robert Waterman, who predicted the ‘Lion from Zion’ would become a billion dollar heavyweight. Roman wasn’t the biggest but he had some nice boxing skills.
Appearing on some Dennis Hobson cards with BBC spots, Greenberg received good exposure but it never felt like he stepped up in time. When he did, the Moldovan-born mover got stopped by Cedric Boswell. On this occasion Greenberg improved to 15-0 with a KO of journeyman Jason Gethers.
NUTHOUSE NOTES
Alberto Puello caused a mini-stir when he defeated Batyr Akhmedov to win the WBA super-lightweight title last year. It was a split verdict but Puello looked decent value for the vacant title win. The man from the Dominican Republic makes his first defence against Rolando Romero on May 13.
While it’s questionable that Rolly should be walking straight back into a big opportunity after being knocked out by Gervonta Davis, he is a verified name who likes to talk. No doubt his heavy hands and polarising character have helped propel him into such a quick shot.
If he can KO Puello then he’s right back in it as a player. Equally, victory for the champion establishes his credentials for a future unification. Another intriguing Showtime headliner.
Thanks for reading! Drop a little heart or even a comment if you get a minute. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Speak to you all next week…
About Steve: Experienced boxing writer, author of 8 books and podcaster of over 400 eps. 15+ years in the sport. Covered hundreds of shows for newspapers and Boxing News magazine. Chief script writer for Motivedia channel. For enquiries: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com.