The fight between Oscar Valdez and Shakur Stevenson is one of the most promising in 2022. Young strong champions. Motivated, powerful, with styles that need both punch and trouble to each other. If this isn’t the fight of the year, it’s probably the main shootout in this year’s light weight categories.

Stevenson enters the fray after the biggest win of his career to date. Valdez – after disgraceful situations

Shakur Stevenson is only 24 years old and the most hope is pinned to him. Silver medalist of the 2016 Olympics, physically strong, a bright representative of the American boxing school. A potential superstar, but Ryan Garcia is still far from the recognition level of the conditional Ryan Garcia. The dimensions allow you to climb further without any problems.

Shakur confidently went to the championship fight, but without major victories. For example, Joet Gonzalez in 2019. A then-undefeated colleague that Stevenson smashed by the judges’ verdict. Or Jeremiah Nakatila. He’s an uncomfortable, slippery opponent, hard to hit alone, and nearly impossible to box brilliantly against him. Competitors are good, names are not enough.

Jemell Herring was the first name that could definitely be written among serious competitors and well-known names. He is the former captain of the USA team who failed at the Olympics ahead of Stevenson’s team.

Herring used the title and experience to be Shakur’s first powerful test. But the young American passed confidently and even ahead of schedule. Stevenson had a better fight with Nakatila than before. He fired from afar, did not hesitate to fight at an average distance and in close combat. In the tenth lap, Herring’s face was covered in blood. The referee called the doctor – he let him continue. But Stevenson’s attacks became so powerful and frequent that in less than a minute the referee stopped the fight. Confident, strong, beautiful. This is the kind of thing Shakur fans want to see.

Oscar Valdes, 31, started the year strong. His showdown with compatriot Miguel Berchelt is one of the best fights of the year. Rebuilding under counterattacks, Valdez found his distance and speed to crush his opponent and face him nicely. Miguel fell in the fourth round. Then at nine. And on the tenth, Oscar found his counterpart with such a blow, after which everything ended instantly.

However, the positive situation for Valdez ended there. The Mexican was caught doping while preparing to meet with Robson Conceacio. They found a drug in the WBC champion’s body that helps them work harder and fatigue less during workouts.

The boxer was not removed from the fight. The WBC said they conducted an investigation and meeting, which revealed that the amount of matter in a boxer’s body was equivalent to three energy boxes. Yes, that’s all. The Mexican also assured that he did not take anything – now absolutely everything. Valdes and Conceicio got together.

The fight went great, but given the trace of doping and the dozens of comments from boxers who opposed such permission. Conceacio was quick and accurate, Valdes changed tactics. He worked as a counter punch, then in the attack. The second one obviously turned out better. He caught the opponent and looked more active and confident than his opponent. The fans were enraged but handed the victory to the Mexican.

Indeed, it was possible to go both ways in a fight like this, but considering how Conceacio spent his time on the show and how Valdez was working at the time, the Mexican victory makes sense. Only Oscar spoiled his karma with doping, and such a victory will now play as a minus.

Stevenson also has a story that is only partially related to boxing – he somehow got into a fight at a gas station, beat up men, but never responded before the law. The trial was prolonged, the situation was resolved and the case, which was threatened with going to court, remained undecided.

Who is your favourite?

Bookies trust America as much as possible. You can bet 1.15. For a Mexican – up to 4.50. Valdes is not a former proven, seasoned champion and for Stevenson this is a big difference, the second challenge in his career to be really serious.

However, there is a logic in this. Shakur is in his prime. He is still young but already strong. Now – not the peak of his form, but form enough to become a world champion. A promising American will fight in America against a warrior who has just ruined his reputation.

Moreover, Stevenson is a good boxer. He knows how to do a lot in the ring, works cool with power and does much more than his opponent. And he has four centimeters longer, and longer arms – five. It seems a bit, but if for Valdez this weight is the maximum, then for Shakur it is the beginning.

What can resist Valdez? Absolutely everything that happened before. Now Oscar can work as he pleases. He famously attacks if the opponent wants to run backwards. But if a great man like Miguel Berchelt comes forward, he’ll meet ingeniously. You can’t just knock him down and scare him. A strong, talented boxer whose boxing is a pleasure to watch.

By the way, Berchelt is very similar in size to Stevenson – only the arms are even longer than the Americans. True, Miguel is still not that smart. His pressure is just physical domination. Shakur’s edition has intelligence, attack formation, a good hit and a great combo.

In general, the duel is just super. A meeting of different styles, different schools, different anthropometrics and different tasks. Oscar must rehabilitate himself after distasteful stories and strengthen himself to the rank of division leader. Valdez – to prove himself in the first upper test and apply to the leader of the division.

Who wins depends on many factors, but the main factors are physical readiness and the ability to adapt. The second at a high level Valdes, the first – did not complain. Just like Shakur, it’s unclear, but he passed the Herring test with a solid twelve.

Bookmaker quotes are interesting. Finally, I would like to remember that almost the same amount can be bet on the Oscar in front of Berchelt. And earn a lot.

Oscar Valdez vs Shakur Stevenson will be played on the night of April 30-May 1 in Las Vegas. Estimated start time of the battle – 04:00 Kyiv time.