Shakur Stevenson faces the toughest test of his career when he challenges WBO super-featherweight champion Jamel Herring.
However, despite the pair’s pedigree, the fight betting isn’t anticipating too many problems for the challenger.
Stevenson a Superstar in the Making
‘Fearless’ is rated a 2/17 shot and there’s no doubt that the former WBO featherweight king is a rare talent.
Stevenson won the WBO belt in just his 13th professional bout and his slick style has attracted plenty of plaudits.
The 24-year-old comprehensively outpointed Jeremy Nakathila to win the WBO interim title in June and that has landed him a shot at Herring’s belt.
Stevenson was able to pick Nakathila off at will, but the way he continued to throw single shots from range, even when the Namibian was down in the fourth round, wasn’t to the liking of the Las Vegas crowd.
Fearless Unlikley to Dominate
The New Jersey fighter has shown that he prefers to use his movement and skills, rather than move forward and rough opponents up, and that gives a fair indication of how the Atlanta clash may play out.
‘Fearless’ isn’t going to want to get into a war with his experienced and tough opponent, and while Stevenson has already made the step-up to 130lbs, this is the toughest test he has faced at the new weight class.
Herring was too big and too strong for Belfast hero Carl Frampton last time out and he has also had good decision wins over Lamont Roach and Masayuki Ito.
Fight Could Go All the Way
‘Semper Fi’ is in the form of his life, and although the step-up to super-featherweight proved too much for Frampton, it was still a two-division world champion that Herring demolished in six rounds.
Both of these fighters are promoted by Top Rank, and it’s fair to say that Stevenson is the upside in terms of future sellability and earnings. However, Herring is being overlooked by the market, and even if the 35-year-old is beaten, it’s unlikely to be as straightforward as the prices suggest.
Backing the fight to go the distance at 8/15 fair bet and a small play on a Herring victory is also worth a punt.
Zayas in the Picture, While Familiar Names Also Step Out
In the co-main event, young unbeaten super-welterweight prospect Xander Zayas takes on Dan Karpency as he looks to continue the impressive start to his career.
There’s also a blast from the past when Evander Holyfield’s son Evan makes his eighth appearance in the ring as he meets Charles Stanford. Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, is also on the State Farm Arena undercard.
*All odds correct at time of writing.