Let’s not beat around the bush here – the recent WBC lightweight championship fight between Shakur Stevenson and Edwin De Los Santos was anything but riveting. In fact, it was arguably one of the worst fights in boxing history. This statement holds weight, especially coming from a long-time fan like myself who has followed the sport since the late 70s. The lack of punches thrown by both fighters was evident, but what was even more disheartening was the apparent disinterest shown by Stevenson, a fan-favorite. The repercussions of such a lackluster performance on a major platform like ESPN have the potential to significantly damage his overall reputation as a boxer.
To be fair, boxing is a dangerous sport, and a fighter’s primary goal is to secure a victory while minimizing the risk of getting hurt. It’s a tough balance to maintain, and it’s understandable that a fighter might choose a more cautious approach to ensure their well-being. However, the problem lies in the fact that playing it safe doesn’t always align with what the audience wants to see. Fighters like Floyd Mayweather, Pernell Whitaker, and Willie Pep were able to win matches while employing defensive tactics and still captivate the crowd. Unfortunately, Stevenson’s recent performance did not possess the finesse and skill required to keep viewers engaged.
If Stevenson continues to participate in lackluster, sleep-inducing fights, his hopes of becoming a prominent name in the sport will quickly diminish. It’s a regrettable situation, considering his undeniable talent. However, one cannot ignore the fact that viewers will be hesitant to tune into another uneventful bout like the one witnessed on Thursday evening. Stevenson himself has acknowledged his “bad performance,” indicating that even he was dissatisfied with his showing. If he aims to become a popular attraction in the ring, Stevenson needs to act swiftly. Waiting six months before his next fight would only prolong the memory of his lackluster performance. Time is of the essence, and Stevenson should be back in the ring soon to start rebuilding his reputation.
While Stevenson’s lackluster performance was disappointing, he was not alone in lulling the audience to sleep. Edwin De Los Santos failed to deliver a Tysonesque performance, further contributing to the underwhelming nature of the fight. Moreover, ESPN’s decision to schedule the fight to start at midnight on the east coast was questionable at best. If ESPN wishes to maintain and grow its audience, it needs to reconsider such scheduling choices. Without a valid justification, forcing fans to stay up late to witness the opening bell of a main event is simply unreasonable.
The Stevenson vs De Los Santos fight was an undeniable disappointment. Both fighters failed to deliver an engaging performance, leaving the audience feeling disenchanted. For Stevenson to retain his standing in the boxing community, he must quickly bounce back from this subpar showing and deliver a captivating performance. Similarly, ESPN needs to reflect on its choices and prioritize the needs and expectations of its viewers. Otherwise, both Stevenson and ESPN risk losing the interest and support of their respective audiences.
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