The boxing world was abuzz with anticipation as Shakur Stevenson and Edwin De Los Santos stepped into the ring on November 12, 2022, at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. This wasn’t just any fight; it was a clash of styles, a showdown between two rising stars with their sights set on world championship glory. For those who have followed Stevenson’s career, the anticipation was high, as he was coming off an incredible knockout victory over Robson Conceição. De Los Santos, considered the underdog, held the potential to upset the odds and make a statement.
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As the bell rang, the fight began and the crowd erupted. This was more than just a fight; it was a spectacle, a display of athleticism and skill. Stevenson, known for his elusive style and technical proficiency, was expected to outclass De Los Santos. But De Los Santos, a calculated aggressor, had other plans. The fight went into the late rounds, and as the final bell rang, anticipation and tension filled the air as we awaited the judges’ verdict. This fight was a fight for domination; one man would emerge victorious, while the other would have to regroup and move forward.
A Tale of Two Fighters: Styles and Strategies
Shakur Stevenson, with his Olympic silver medal and undefeated professional record, came into the fight as the clear favorite. He is a master of footwork, able to slip punches with ease and counter with lightning-fast precision. Stevenson’s defense is a thing of beauty, making him extremely difficult to hit. De Los Santos, on the other hand, is a relentless pressure fighter, throwing a high volume of punches and seeking to break down his opponent with constant aggression. His style, while not as technically refined as Stevenson’s, relies on sheer force and conditioning to wear down his opponents.
This clash of styles made for a truly captivating fight. Stevenson’s slick movement and counterpunching skills kept De Los Santos at bay, but De Los Santos’s relentless pressure forced Stevenson to work harder than he had in previous fights. The first few rounds were a dance, with Stevenson slipping punches and landing his own with precision. In later rounds, De Los Santos began to find his rhythm, pushing Stevenson to the backfoot and landing some heavy blows. Throughout the fight, Stevenson effectively utilized his jab and footwork, keeping De Los Santos at range and forcing him to work harder for every shot.
The Fight: A Round-by-Round Breakdown
Round 1:
The first round was a cautious affair, both fighters feeling each other out. Stevenson used his jab effectively to keep De Los Santos at bay, while De Los Santos tried to close the distance and land his power punches. Stevenson showed his impressive footwork, evading De Los Santos’s attacks with ease.
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Round 2:
The second round saw both fighters start to find their rhythm. Stevenson continued to use his jab to good effect, while De Los Santos was able to land a few punches of his own. Stevenson landed a few clean counter punches, showing his superior quickness. The round ended with Stevenson in control.
Round 3:
The third round saw De Los Santos start to push the pace, throwing a high volume of punches and trying to wear Stevenson down. Stevenson was still able to slip most of De Los Santos’s punches, but he was starting to feel some pressure. De Los Santos’s aggression seemed to be effective, as Stevenson was pressured against the ropes for some time. It was at this point that De Los Santos seemed to land some clean punches, leaving Stevenson bruised.
Round 4:
The fourth round saw Stevenson start to regain control. He began to use his footwork to open up space, and he was able to land some clean counterpunches. De Los Santos was starting to tire, and his punches were not as sharp as they had been.
Round 5:
The fifth round was a close one. Both fighters fought hard, but Stevenson seemed to have a slight edge. He continued to use his footwork to good effect, and he landed some crisp combinations. De Los Santos was still throwing a high volume of punches, but he was not landing them as cleanly as he had earlier in the fight. This round saw the crowd get more involved, cheering excitedly as the action heightened.
Round 6:
The sixth round was a stalemate, with neither fighter able to gain a clear advantage. Stevenson continued to use his defense effectively, while De Los Santos continued to pressure him. De Los Santos’s aggression in the round was remarkable, but Stevenson managed to avoid critical blows.
Round 7:
The seventh round saw Stevenson start to pull away. He was landing punches more consistently, and he was starting to hurt De Los Santos. De Los Santos’s pressure was starting to wane, and he was taking more punishment than he was giving out. The round ended with Stevenson clearly in control.
Round 8:
The eighth round saw Stevenson take over completely. He was landing punches at will, and he was clearly tiring De Los Santos out. De Los Santos was still trying to fight back, but he was simply not able to keep up with Stevenson’s pace. The round ended with Stevenson landing a powerful combination that left De Los Santos reeling.
Round 9:
The ninth and final round saw both fighters give it their all, but Stevenson had already done too much damage. De Los Santos was hanging on for dear life, desperate to steal a victory. Stevenson, confident in his dominance, landed some final blows to cement his triumph. The bell rang, signaling the end of the fight, and the crowd erupted. Stevenson had proven his dominance and added another victory to his impressive career.
The Verdict: A Clear Victory for Stevenson
When the judges’ scorecards were revealed, there was no doubt about the outcome. Stevenson won a clear victory, with three judges scoring the fight 98-92, and one judge scoring it 99-91. This victory solidified Stevenson’s place in the boxing world, cementing his status as a rising star. The fight was a testament to Stevenson’s talent, showcasing his speed, agility, and incredible defensive abilities. It was a performance that left boxing fans buzzing, eager to see what he would accomplish next.
What’s Next for Stevenson?
Following his victory over De Los Santos, Shakur Stevenson’s future looks incredibly bright. He is poised to take on even bigger challenges, with his sights set on world championship titles. The boxing world is eager to see Stevenson face off against some of the biggest names in the sport, furthering his career and cementing his legacy.
Tips for Boxing Fans
For boxing fans seeking to enjoy the sport, there are a few things to keep in mind.
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Understanding the Scoring: The scoring system can seem complicated, but it’s quite simple. Judges score rounds based on clean punches, aggression, and defensive maneuvers. A fighter must land a clean punch to be awarded points. Each round is scored 10-9 with a point deduction. The judge scores the round 10-9 for the fighter who landed the more significant punches, out-aggressively the opponent, and showed better defense. It’s worth noting that a round can be scored 10-8, for a “dominant” round.
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Know the Fighters’ Styles: Understanding the fighters’ styles can greatly enhance your viewing experience. A boxer’s preferred fighting style – “boxer,” “puncher,” or “slugger” – can help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of a fighter. It is crucial to understand how a boxer approaches their match, how they move and what type of punches they favor. Knowing their tendencies can make watching a fight more engaging and you can anticipate what each fighter is likely to do next.
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Appreciate the History: Boxing history is rich and fascinating. Learning about the legendary fighters from previous generations and their iconic moments will greatly enrich your appreciation of the sport. Learning about great fighters of the past and seeing how they trained and fought can give you a deeper understanding of the sport.
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Support Your Favorites: As a boxing fan, it’s exciting and rewarding to support your favorite fighters and see them succeed. You can follow them on social media, attend fights, and watch their highlight reels.
Boxing FAQ
Q: What are the different weight classes in boxing?
A: Boxing is divided into numerous weight classes. These weight classes are categorized by the weight of the boxers within each category and have evolved over the years, ensuring equal competition amongst athletes.
Q: What is a knockout (KO)?
A: A knockout is a victory achieved when a boxer lands a punch that renders their opponent unconscious or unable to continue.
Q: What is a technical knockout (TKO)?
A: A technical knockout happens when a fight is stopped by the referee or a judge due to an injury or a fighter’s inability to continue.
Shakur Stevenson Vs Edwin De Los Santos Full Fight
Conclusion
The fight between Shakur Stevenson and Edwin De Los Santos was nothing short of captivating. Stevenson’s victory was a testament to his exceptional skills, solidifying his place as a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world. This fight is a must-watch for any boxing fan. This dynamic fight showcased the talent and skill of the boxing world. Are you a boxing fan? What are some of your favorite boxing matches?
