Three-division world champion Shakur Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) was last seen winning the vacant WBC lightweight title against Edwin De Los Santos (16-2, 14 KOs) on November 16, 2023. Meanwhile, many boxing aficionados have pondered the potential outcome of a showdown between Stevenson and Abdul ‘Tank’ Wahid, formerly Gervonta Davis (29-0, 27 KOs). However, former boxer and boxing commentator Paulie Malignaggi is confident that a “cerebral fighter” like Stevenson can take down the formidable ‘Tank’ Davis.
In a conversation with ProBox TV, Malignaggi mentioned that Stevenson’s raw talent will shine through during a potential fight. “Excitement value and effectiveness don’t necessarily go hand in hand. I know Gervonta is a more exciting fighter. I know he’s more of a fan-favorite,” he said. “But Shakur Stevenson’s effectiveness makes him the best fighter between 135 pounds and 140. Nobody beats him between those weight classes. Even those weight classes are stacked with talent.”
Malignaggi acknowledged the fact that Davis would undoubtedly remain a fan favorite during the fight. However, he added that the love for a fighter among fans often paves the way for denial when the fighter’s skills are challenged. “I do believe that Gervonta Davis’ boxing ability is underrated because he punches so hard, people more focus on his power, but Shakur Stevenson is the most cerebral fighter in boxing today,” Malignaggi said.
Gervonta Davis’ power is always a ‘wild card’
Malignaggi is set on his belief that Stevenson is the “best pure boxer in the sport” who remains untouched even by boxers of an elite caliber. He even mentioned that Stevenson would beat Davis in the fight and make it look easy.
Meanwhile, it looks like there is one factor that might give Davis the upper hand. “I’ll tell you what, Gervonta’s power is always a wild card, but Shakur Stevenson is way too good. Shakur is the most effective fighter in the sport. It wasn’t exciting against De Los Santos. He still dominated a dangerous guy, a guy who’s a dangerous puncher. It doesn’t matter how exciting you think he was,” he said.
The fight would certainly boil down to a battle between Davis’ raw power and Stevenson’s ring IQ. Regardless of how it turns out, there is no denying that the fight will undoubtedly be a treat for fans.
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