Shakur Stevenson (13-0, 7 KOs) defeated Joet Gonzalez (23-1, 14 KOs) via unanimous decision to obtain the vacant WBO Featherweight world title on Saturday night, October 26, 2019 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada.
The high-stakes fight headlined an ESPN+ stream and saw all three judges score the bout 119-109, in favor of Shakur Stevenson.
A former USA silver Olympic medalist, Stevenson is now the WBO Featherweight champion of the world. An accomplishment he has reached at the age of 22 in his 13th professional fight, which is the second fewest, second only to Vasiliy Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KOs) who became Featherweight champion after three fights.
Stevenson showed his amateur experience and championship pedigree. His offense was superb, utilizing his hand speed and jab to set up everything, including a consistent attack to the body.
Stevenson’s defense was just as impressive. He used his head movement to avoid punches and elite footwork to get out of any danger.
Stevenson dismantled Gonzalez from the opening bell of Round 1. Stevenson remained comfortable fighting a safe distance as he won nearly every round.
Gonzalez was very defensive in the opening rounds of the bout. He couldn’t figure out how to land his punches on Stevenson. It was a confusing game plan, or lack there of.
Gonzalez stood in front of Stevenson without trying to hit him. The lack of volume didn’t help this, as Stevenson took his time and outboxed Gonzalez with ease.
It was evident these two fighters were on different levels, and this is no disrespect to Joet Gonzalez who was handed his first loss.
Stevenson is a special fighter that is constantly mentioned with the likes of all-time greats such as Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Pernell Whitaker.
After his big victory, Stevenson made sure to let the world know what he wants next.
“I want Josh Warrington,” said Stevenson. “You have no dates, you said you wouldn’t fight me until I had a title. Now I have a title, I want to be a unified champion.”
Shakur Stevenson has officially started his reign in the Featherweight division. He will be a fighter to watch for years to come.
