Newly crowned WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) has admitted that he will have to make changes to his lifestyle if he is to continue his upward trajectory in the sport following his victory over Edwin De Los Santos (16-2, 14KOs) in Las Vegas on November 16th.
Despite the victory, Stevenson flattered to deceive in victory, producing a performance that left many spectators booing Stevenson at varying points throughout the universally agreed mundane affair. Stevenson had been expected to dominate the contest in whatever fashion he desired to pursue the task at hand. Outbox De Los Santos and cruise to victory or seek a stoppage at his chosen time had been the common consensus regarding Stevenson leading into fight night.
Stevenson did neither.
The world title contest made CompuBox history with De Los Santos recording the lowest number of punches landed in a twelve-round contest ever recorded by Compubox, landing forty punches, twenty-six of which were jabs.
Stevenson did not fare much better on the statistics board, landing a total of sixty-five punches throughout the twelve-round contest. In comparison, Emanuel Navarrette (38-1-1, 31KOs) landed twenty-three punches in round eleven of his fight against Robson Conceicao (17-2-1, 8KOs).
Post-fight, Stevenson admitted that he needs to make changes and take breaks away from the gym to prevent a build-up of fatigue.
“I had a bad performance,” admitted Stevenson on the post-fight telecast. “I gotta take some breaks. I've got to stop being in the gym all the time. That’s how you cause injuries. That’s how your body gets a little fatigued.”
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Stevenson confirmed his plans by saying he intends to stay away from the gym and enjoy some downtime.
“I gotta take a little break and relax a little bit.”
