Stevenson outpoints Valdez in dominating win, takes WBC belt

WBO champion Shakur Stevenson handed Oscar Valdez the first loss of his career last weekennd in a junior lightweight championship bout.

What some thought could be a fight of the year candidate turned into a one-sided boxing clinic.

Stevenson (18-0, 9 KOs) won by unanimous decision and took Valdez’s WBC belt with the victory.

Stevenson displayed faster hands, exquisite footwork, and overall better boxing skills than Valdez. Stevenson outpunched his opponent 189-110 and landed 53% of his power punches.

Judge Tim Cheatham had the fight scored 117-110, while Dave Moretti and David Sutherland had it 118-109.

“This victory means everything,” said Stevenson, who is looking to win every belt at 130 pounds and unify the division. 

Stevenson looked every bit a superstar when he took advantage of Valdez’s huge gamble in the sixth round. Valdez misfired an overhand left that left him in a vulnerable position. Stevenson countered quickly by dropping Valdez with a quick left shot to the temple and seized control of the bout.

Valdez (30-1) wasn’t the same after that round, and seemingly lost the poise he started with. Stevenson, conversely, was in control the rest of the way, much to the dismay of the heavily pro-Valdez crowd inside a jam-packed MGM Grand Garden with an announced gathering of 10,102. MDT/AP