By Daniel Gonzalez

Newark, NJ – Although Shakur Stevenson (12-0, 7 KOs) was somewhat brash with his comments after  dominating Alberto “Metro” Guevara (27-5, 12 KOs) in front of his hometown “Brick CIty” crowd, he definitely made a valid point.  After showcasing his talent in front of 5,150 pro-Stevenson fans at the Prudential Center, the 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist said,  “Top Rank, y’all gotta get me better competition. I want the champions – Leo Santa Cruz (WBA) and Oscar Valdez (WBO). That guy came in there and he didn’t want no smoke.”  He also stated in no uncertain terms,  “I would love to go to England to fight Josh Warrington,” who is the current IBF belt holder.

Stevenson, 22-year-old budding featherweight superstar, who is supported and advised by future boxing hall of famers, Terrence “Bud” Crawford and Andre Ward, floored Guevara 2 times in the second round and finished him  off in the third, when referee David Fields halted the bout at 2:37 of the round.  Guevara was clearly outclassed, and was reluctant to engage Stevenson.  Even more so, after he was hit with a low blow just before Stevenson closed the show.

The Sinaloa, Mexico native was  was a late replacement for this fight, as Stevenson’s original opponent was Maimi’s Hairon Socarras (22-0-3, 14 KOs).  However, Socarras withdrew from the fight for undisclosed reasons.  Colombia’s Franklin Manzanilla (18-5, 17 KOs) was given the nod to fight Stevenson, but he also had to pull out of the fight, due to an apparent illness.

With this win, Stevenson moves a step closer to fighting for a featherweight (126 lb) world title.  He is the mandatory challenger for Oscar Valdez’s WBO belt and seems hungry to mix it up with divisions best.  Top Rank has thus far played it safe with the young superstar, but it seems that he is getting inpatient and wants the tougher and more lucrative match ups in the near future.  There is no question that the young southpaw is an amazing talent, but the question remains as to whether he is ready to get in the ring with the current featherweight champions.

Top Rank and Bob Arum have a tough decision to make…do they play it safe and keep feeding him sub par opponents, or do they risk his undefeated record and his earning potential and put in him in the ring with the featherweight elite.  I am curious to see what Stevenson’s management will do with him next.  There is no question that his issues out of the ring may be contributing to his handlers questioning his focus.  Nevertheless, the Prudential Center in Newark was packed.  Stevenson’s hometown fans were excited to the see him do what he does best.  It is clear that he is a serious draw and is main event worthy when fighting in New York or New Jersey.  What do you think?  Is he ready for a title shot?

Daniel Gonzalez is a Senior Boxing Writer. Dan writes for many publications including Boxing Action Magazine, www.BoxingAction24.com and www.SideStepBoxing.com

Photo courtesy of Mikey Williams/ Top Rank