Shakur Stevenson Claims Edwin De Los Santos Is “20 Times Better” Than Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz After Latest Upset
In the whirlwind world of boxing, opinions and rankings are as volatile as the fighters themselves. The latest firestorm in the boxing community revolves around Shakur Stevenson’s bold claim that Edwin De Los Santos is “20 times better” than Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz. This declaration comes on the heels of a surprising upset and sets the stage for a potential rematch that could shake up the lightweight division.
The Upset That Sparked Debate
August 3rd was a day of upheaval in the boxing world. Under the spotlight of a high-profile event, Jose Valenzuela, an underdog, delivered a jaw-dropping performance against Isaac Cruz, winning by split decision to claim the WBA junior welterweight title. The result stunned fans and analysts alike, prompting a flood of commentary and debate across social media platforms.
The discussion took an intriguing turn when Shakur Stevenson, the WBC lightweight champion and former opponent of Edwin De Los Santos, weighed in on the controversy. Stevenson’s tweet comparing De Los Santos to Cruz sparked intense reactions from the boxing community. “Edwin wins again,” Stevenson confidently declared, adding fuel to the fire of the ongoing debate.
A Glimpse into Past Battles
To understand the gravity of Stevenson’s claim, one must look back at the September 2022 bout between Edwin De Los Santos and Jose Valenzuela. De Los Santos’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He knocked Valenzuela down twice in the early rounds before securing a knockout victory in the third. This victory showcased De Los Santos’s formidable skills and left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it.
Stevenson’s assertion that De Los Santos is “20 times better” than Cruz is rooted in their respective performances. When Stevenson faced De Los Santos in November of last year, the bout was a tactical chess match. Stevenson, known for his agility and precision, managed to outmaneuver De Los Santos, earning a unanimous decision victory. However, Stevenson’s critique was tempered by the public backlash over his performance in that fight, as some critics felt he struggled to engage effectively.
Cruz’s Response and Future Prospects
Isaac Cruz, meanwhile, has been relatively quiet since his loss to Valenzuela. Earlier this year, Cruz had an impressive victory over Rolly Romero, which reignited discussions about his potential. Despite this, the defeat to Valenzuela ended Cruz’s five-fight win streak and raised questions about his readiness for the top tier of the division.
Cruz’s response to his defeat was telling. During his post-fight interview, Cruz deferred judgment to the fans, stating, “Just take a listen to this crowd, they’re the judge of all this, not me.” His attitude reflects a humility and acceptance of the outcome, even as it leaves room for further reflection and potential adjustments.
“Edwin wins again”.
De Los Santos in November last year and came under scrutiny for slow performance, to claim, “Edwin is 20 times better [than] pitbull[.] I [have] been tryna tell people this”.
The Road Ahead: Rematches and Predictions
As the boxing world digests these developments, the prospect of a rematch between De Los Santos and Valenzuela looms large. Stevenson’s strong endorsement of De Los Santos has only heightened interest in this potential clash. Would Valenzuela, now a champion, seek redemption against De Los Santos? The possibility of such a fight could be a significant draw for fans and a pivotal moment for both fighters.
Davis, Cruz said during the in-ring interview after the fight through his translator, “Just take a listen to this crowd, they’re the judge of all this, not me”. He further added, “I never like to make a decision on what the result of the fight is. I just get on with my work and let everyone else decide”.
Editor’s Insight:
Shakur Stevenson’s bold statement highlights the ever-shifting dynamics of the boxing world. The interplay of victories, defeats, and public opinions continues to shape the careers of these athletes. As Stevenson’s comments resonate through the boxing community, the anticipation for future matchups and rematches is palpable. De Los Santos’s impressive skills and Cruz’s resilience ensure that the lightweight division remains one of the most exciting arenas in the sport.
