The Boxing Landscape Shifts: Who's the New King?
In a recent interview, WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson, a renowned advocate for his friend Terence Crawford's talent, has shifted his focus to another formidable fighter now that Crawford has retired. Stevenson, on the cusp of being recognized as a top five pound-for-pound talent, has boldly named the best boxer in the sport, besides himself.
But here's where it gets controversial... Stevenson's pick isn't the typical fan favorite. He's highlighted Dmitry Bivol, the unified light-heavyweight champion, as the cream of the crop. Bivol's traditional boxing style and mastery of fundamentals have caught Stevenson's eye.
"Bivol is incredibly hard to beat because he's so basic yet so effective. He's got his hands up, his one-two combo is on point, and his footwork is exceptional. He doesn't just stand there; he moves around the ring with precision. To me, he's the best active boxer, aside from myself," Stevenson explained.
And this is the part most people miss: Bivol's style is a breath of fresh air in an era of flashier, more unpredictable fighters. His consistency and mastery of the basics are a testament to the beauty of traditional boxing.
However, Bivol has been inactive for 11 months since his last fight, a victory over Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed 175lb title. He's expected to return to the ring this spring to face IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert.
So, who do you think deserves the title of the best boxer? Is it the consistent and fundamental Bivol, or is there another fighter out there who deserves the crown? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this intriguing debate!
