The Boogeyman is coming for Edwin De Los Santos (16-1, 14 KOs). Is he ready? On Thursday, November 16th, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Edwin will challenge the most feared boxer in the lightweight division, Shakur Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs).
Many were given the opportunity to challenge Shakur for the vacant WBC lightweight championship, but they ultimately chose not to. Edwin was the only one willing to accept the challenge and step into the ring with the Boogeyman.
Shakur Stevenson is feared because of his masterful ability to outbox his opponents. He can, with surgical precision, outpoint his competition. Shakur has a great understanding of distance and range and utilizes it effectively. He methodically breaks down his opponents by diminishing their strengths and exposing their weaknesses.
In the early rounds, Shakur cautiously enters the match, measuring and gauging his opponent’s speed, strength, and timing. Once he obtains this information, he begins his strategic attack.
In his junior lightweight unification match against Oscar Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs), he masterfully controlled the distance by utilizing both his jab and movement. Joseph Adorno lost a 10 round unanimous decision to Edwin in July of this year.
In that fight, De Los Santos demonstrated some difficulties defending lateral movement. Adorno is not as agile or elusive as Shakur, but he was able to, with his limited ability, pose somewhat of a challenge with his lateral movement.
Stevenson will outmaneuver Edwin with his footwork and agility. Controlling positioning will allow Shakur to control the exchanges. He’ll be able to dictate how and when they occur.
At the final press conference yesterday, the faceoff between the two was intense, with both trading verbal jabs and flashing their abs at each other. Both appear ready and primed for a war.
Edwin knows that a victory against Shakur will be life-changing, and he’s determined to do whatever it takes to win; he’ll leave it all in the ring.
As for Shakur, he’s looking to surmount himself as arguably the best in the lightweight division by becoming a three-division champion.
