Curtis Stevens vs. Patrick Teixeira
Ismael Gallardo, Photographer
Prediction: Teixeira
Jack O’Connell, Staff Writer
Curtis Stevens is the definition of a one-trick pony. His style has always been dependent on block-countering with the left hook.
He’s essentially mastered this trick, but if you take this away from him, he’s not such a devastating figure after all. In order to detonate this counter hook, the distance must be perfect. Get too close, and the punch won’t get proper leverage. Get too far, and Stevens will be out of range.
That is where Stevens is at a massive disadvantage to Patrick Teixeira. The Brazilian prospect is lengthy and knows exactly how to utilize his natural advantages.
Teixeira has nearly four inches of height and reach over Stevens. Teixeira utilizes his reach to bomb away with power shots at long range. He’s also surprising agile on his feet, as he pivots very well after throwing a combination.
Against the mobile Hassan N’Dam and Gabriel Rosado, Stevens chased them all night, unable to set up his power shots. Stevens best bet is to hope Teixeira gets close enough to land a massive left hook.
All in all, however, Teixeira should be able to safely outwork Stevens over the course of 10 rounds.
Prediction: Teixeira
Michael Burnell, Staff Writer
Solid southpaw prospect Patrick Teixeira seeks to extend his winning streak against rugged Curtis Stevens in Middleweight action.
While Teixeira sports a gaudy record, Stevens represents a step up in competition and has certainly faced the more seasoned opposition.
This should be a fun match to watch and expect both fighters to take and relinquish momentum throughout.
In the end Teixeira will have his hand raised, a victor by close if not unpopular decision.
Prediction: Teixeira
Ardy Ajoste, Graphic Designer
Prediction: Stevens
Amber Williams, Photographer
Prediction: Stevens
Shelbi Keyes, Staff Writer
Curtis Stevens will fight Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena for the first time in nearly two years. Stevens will be facing Patrick Teixeira a young fighter with a blemish-free record. While Stevens is looking to prove he is still a top contender in the Middleweight division, Teixeira has a great opportunity to showcase his skills and gain more followers opening the HBO Pay-Per- View undercard of Canelo vs. Khan.
Stevens has made significant changes since his last fight. Saturday night, his uncle and lifelong trainer Andre Rozier will no longer be the face in his corner. Stevens is now being trained by John David Jackson, who also trains Sergey Kovalev, Chris Algieri, and several other fighters. He also chose to change his nickname from “Showtime” to “Cerebral Assassin”—a metaphor for his total self-reinvention.
His reasoning was this: “I wanted it to be a new beginning. My uncle’s been training me since I was 5 years old so that name came about when I turned pro. Being that I’m with a new trainer, it’s a new name and a new Curtis Stevens. I don’t want to think about the past from my losses or from what happened in the past. I want the whole new identity and a new me, like I’m redefined and newly constructed.”
Honestly, I am interested to see how this fight plays out. With all this talk of reinvention for Stevens, I am hopeful but not 100 percent convinced. On the other hand, Teixeira is young and has only fought in the U.S. a handful of times. This will most definitely be the biggest stage he has been on, fighting the stiffest competition he has faced thus far in his career. I am torn but I am predicting Stevens’ “banger” style will lead him to victory.
Prediction: Stevens
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
I like this fight. It’s a good step up fight for the southpaw and Golden Boy Promotions prospect, Patrick Teixeira and one last chance on the big stage for Curtis Stevens.
Can you teach an old dog new tricks? Stevens and new trainer John David Jackson hope so, and they’ll have to pull out something different or else Stevens will get out-boxed like he did against Hassan N’Dam.
I’ll take Teixeira, but if Stevens connects with a hook it might be Teixeira making this face.
Prediction: Teixeira
