The Air Canada Centre played host to a Light Heavyweight showdown between WBC champion Adonis ”Superman” Stevenson (29-1-1, 24 KOs) and Badou Jack ”The Ripper” (22-1-3, 13 KOs).
Jack, a live dog going into the bout, came into the fight having fought the steeper competition as of late but the 40-year-old Stevenson looked to prove he was still the man to best in the division.
Early on, the fight was a chess match with neither fighter really setting the tone. Considering the styles of both men, the story of the fight would be if Jack could withstand the power from the self-proclaimed Superman and if the aging Stevenson could keep up a long pace of boxing with the younger man.
Stevenson began to stalk Jack following the opening round but never necessarily hurt the Swedish fighter. Jack lacked activity and mostly limited his shots but looked a bit more polished when he did let his hands go. This seemed to be the story up until the midpoint of the fight and then the fight took a drastic turn.
During and after the sixth round, The Ripper began to change the pace and began landing some effective shots on the champion. Stevenson powered through a lot of heavy shots but maintained a straight poker face. Jack’s pace continued to increase into the mid to late rounds landing crisp and strong combinations all while avoiding Stevenson’s vaunted left.
The championship rounds really put the crowd on their feet as both guys let their hands go to close out the show. Ultimately, Jack would fall victim to yet another draw and Adonis Stevenson held on to the strap once more.
Final judges scorecards read 114-114, 115-113, and 114-114 with the 115-113 scorecard leaning in favor of Badou Jack. After the fight, both fighters made their case for why he won the fight.
“Of course I won the fight,” proclaimed Stevenson. “I hurt him badly to the body in the fight.”
Badou Jack also argued for a win in his favor.
“No judge had it for Stevenson,” said Jack. “I don’t know why I can’t get a decision. Maybe judges don’t like that I’m a Mayweather fighter, who knows.”
The decision is certainly a fair one but if a rematch were to take place, and one should, Jack’s performance may have catapulted him to be the favorite.
The action without a doubt merits a rematch and barring any unforeseen issues, the fans will be treated to another great showdown.
Photos by Showtime
