Boxer Shakur Stevenson expresses disagreement with Turki Alalshikh's restriction on 'Tom and Jerry'-style brawls in boxing ring competitions.
In a recent development, WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson has voiced his clear opposition to Turki Alalshikh's new anti-running mandate in boxing. Alalshikh, the organiser of the "The Ring" series, has expressed a desire to aggressively discourage fighters from avoiding contact or running around the ring, a style he refers to as "Tom and Jerry" boxing.
Stevenson, who is known for his slick, defensive boxing style and ability to use movement effectively, feels that the mandate unfairly targets fighters like himself who rely on strategy and footwork rather than constant aggression. He emphasised that fighters should have the freedom to fight in their own style and not be forced to comply with rules designed to prioritise constant action over strategy.
The three-division champion, who captured silver at the 2016 Olympics, stated bluntly that the opinions of critics and these new rules "don't f---ing matter" because what truly counts is winning in the ring on a fighter's own terms.
In a surprising turn of events, Stevenson is uncertain about the sincerity of Alalshikh's support for him, due to his online behaviour. Despite this, he remains focused on his upcoming fight against William Zepeda, who boasts a record of 33-0, 27 KOs.
The much-anticipated fight will take place at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York, on July 12. The event will also feature the co-main event for the non-title super middleweight clash involving Edgar Berlanga and Hamzah Sheeraz, for whom Alalshikh has expressed interest in potential fights, including one against Canelo Alvarez.
Stevenson, a 28-year-old southpaw, has been criticised for his fighting style and for using his legs to secure victory. However, he expressed disappointment with the "no running" criticism directed towards him, stating that he fights because he knows he can win and doesn't want to be forced into fighting someone else’s fight or style due to these rules.
In the past, Stevenson stopped late replacement Josh Padley in February after Floyd Schofield Jr. pulled out. Despite the challenges, he remains confident and focused on ensuring a victory in his upcoming fight.
[1] https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/34965467/shakur-stevenson-criticizes-anti-running-mandate-boxing-promoter-turki-alalshikh [2] https://www.boxingscene.com/shakur-stevenson-turki-alalshikh-anti-running-mandate--152258
[1] Stevenson's approach to boxing, characterized by his strategical footwork, has landed him in opposition to Turki Alalshikh's new rule against running, which he terms as "Tom and Jerry" boxing.
[2] The WBC lightweight champion expressed concern that this mandate unfairly targets fighters who prioritize strategy over constant aggression, stating that fighters should have the freedom to fight in their own style.
[3] With a record of 33-0, 27 KOs, William Zepeda stands as Stevenson's upcoming opponent in a much-anticipated fight scheduled for July 12 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.
[4] Meanwhile, Alalshikh, the organizer of "The Ring" series, has shown interest in potential fights for Edgar Berlanga and Hamzah Sheeraz, including a clash against Canelo Alvarez.
[5] Stevenson, despite facing criticism for his fighting style, remains focused on his quest for victory, having already secured a win against late replacement Josh Padley in February.
[6] In the world of sports, which includes tennis tournaments, MMA, and boxing, news about Stevenson's stance against the anti-running mandate in boxing has made headlines, with many discussing the impact this rule may have on the sport.
