Shakur Stevenson Under Fire: Fans Question His Commitment Despite Training with Terence Crawford
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Shakur Stevenson, the reigning WBC lightweight champion, has found himself in hot water as fans continue to express their disappointment in his recent performances. Despite enlisting the help of his former training partner and pound-for-pound king, Terence Crawford, the Newark native is struggling to win back public confidence. With his upcoming title defense against Joe Cordina set for October 12th at the Kingdom Arena, Stevenson’s preparations have left fans skeptical about his ability to deliver a show-stopping performance.
Training with Crawford: A Last-Ditch Effort?
Stevenson and Crawford have a history that dates back to 2015, when the young Stevenson, then an amateur, sparred with Crawford in preparation for his professional career. Their intense training sessions continued over the years, with Crawford playing a significant role in helping Stevenson claim the WBO world title against Jamel Herring. However, despite this storied partnership, fans are questioning whether Crawford’s influence can truly help Stevenson overcome his recent struggles in the ring.
He captioned the clip, “Shakur Stevenson on the pads with Terence Crawford in training today ahead of his fight vs Joe Cordina on Oct 12th…”
The user sarcastically quipped, “[A]ll that training just to run around the ring once again💀.”
The user commented, “Nice, Shakur gotta get that offense wayyy up.”
“[W]hy Shakur not with bomac for aggression and counterpunching I don’t know,” the user wrote.
“Easy lick for tank stay unbeaten plz,” the user wrote.
The Public’s Verdict: Unimpressed
Earlier today, a video shared by talkSport editor Michael Benson showcased Stevenson and Crawford working the pads in the gym. While the clip was intended to build excitement for Stevenson’s upcoming fight, it instead sparked a wave of criticism. Comments on social media were harsh, with many fans recalling Stevenson’s last two fights, where they felt he failed to deliver. In his bout against Edwin De Los Santos last November, Stevenson was accused of “running around the ring,” avoiding any meaningful engagement. The criticism only grew after his July fight against Artem Harutyunyan, where fans felt Stevenson lacked the aggression needed to secure an early finish.
Crawford’s Defense Falls on Deaf Ears
Crawford, who was present during Stevenson’s controversial bout against De Los Santos, defended his friend, stating that those who left the arena were not “real supporters.” However, Crawford’s defense has done little to sway public opinion. Fans seem to be losing patience with Stevenson’s cautious fighting style, branding him as a “boring” fighter, a label that has followed him into his preparations for the Cordina fight.
Is Stevenson All Hype?
The skepticism surrounding Stevenson’s commitment and style is palpable. Social media users have not held back in their critiques. One user sarcastically commented, “All that training just to run around the ring once again,” while another expressed concern about Stevenson’s offensive capabilities, stating, “Nice, Shakur gotta get that offense wayyy up.” The overwhelming sentiment is that Stevenson needs to prove himself in the ring, and that training with a legend like Crawford may not be enough to change public perception.
A Battle for Redemption
As the fight against Cordina approaches, Stevenson faces not just his opponent, but the burden of proving his worth to the boxing community. Fans are eager to see if the Newark native can channel Crawford’s aggression and turn his recent criticisms into fuel for a more dominant, entertaining performance. With the clock ticking down to October 12th, Stevenson’s journey to redemption is fraught with challenges, and only time will tell if he can rise to the occasion.
