At 26, many boxers are just starting to vie for significant accolades in the sport. However, Shakur Stevenson doesn’t align with that norm. Currently, he’s stepping back into the ring on Thursday night, ready to face Edwin De Los Santos in Shakur Stevenson vs Edwin De Los Santos bout for the vacant WBC lightweight title.
The main event is set to unfold at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (ESPN/ESPN+, 10:30 p.m. ET, with prelims on ESPN+ at 5:35 p.m. ET). Headlining the evening, Shakur Stevenson will battle Edwin De Los Santos for the vacant WBC lightweight title. Additionally, in the co-main event, Emanuel Navarrete is gearing up to defend his WBO junior lightweight title against Robson Conceicao.
Shakur Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs), at 26, stands as a two-weight world champion, having secured titles at featherweight and super featherweight. Currently ranked No. 10 in The Sporting News’ pound-for-pound ratings, the left-handed boxer from Newark, New Jersey, boasts victories over notable opponents like Jamel Herring, Oscar Valdez, and Robson Conceicao.
Edwin De Los Santos (16-1, 14 KOs), a powerful southpaw from the Dominican Republic, enters the ring against Stevenson. With three consecutive victories, including two by KO, since his lone career loss in January 2022, De Los Santos is set to face Stevenson for the vacant WBC lightweight title. The 24-year-old contender, ranked No. 6 by the WBC, stepped in when the opportunity arose, aligning with his heavy-hitting style and determination.
Three divisions & climbing 📈#ShakurDeLosSantos | THU 10:30PM ET | @ESPN pic.twitter.com/MfBZzQuM2K
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) November 15, 2023
In the co-main event, Emanuel Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs), a three-division champion, defends his WBO junior lightweight title against Robson Conceicao (17-2, 8 KOs). Navarrete, on a remarkable 33-fight winning streak, hasn’t suffered a defeat in over 11 years. Conceicao, seeking his third title opportunity, aims to overcome previous setbacks and make his mark in the boxing world.
Shakur Stevenson vs Edwin De Los Santos Date, Time, and Venue
On November 16, Shakur Stevenson will vie for the vacant WBC lightweight title against Edwin De Los Santos, while Emanuel Navarrete defends his WBO super featherweight belt against Robson Conceição in an ESPN doubleheader at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The final stretch 🏁#ShakurDeLosSantos goes down TOMORROW on @ESPN. pic.twitter.com/5FRUEzRD5Z
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) November 15, 2023
- Date: Thursday, November 16
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 a.m. UK (Friday)
- Venue: The fight will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
- Main event ringwalks (approx): 11:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 a.m. UK (Friday)
Please note that these timings are subject to change based on the duration of the undercard fights.
Stevenson vs Santos Broadcast
This epic event, in collaboration with Top Rank, will be broadcast on Thursday night. U.S. viewers can catch the fight on ESPN+, while UK fight fans can tune in on Sky Sports.
What’s on the Line in Stevenson vs Santos Showdown?
On Thursday night in Las Vegas, Shakur Stevenson takes on Edwin De Los Santos for the vacant WBC lightweight title in a thrilling 12-round main event. In the world championship co-feature, Mexico’s Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs) defends his WBO junior lightweight strap against Brazilian two-time world title challenger Robson Conceição (17-2, 8 KOs).
Why Shakur vs Santos Fight is not on a Weekend?
In the realm of boxing events mid-week, Japan is typically the go-to, providing fight fans with thrilling matchups. However, the scenario shifts to Las Vegas as undefeated sensation Shakur Stevenson contends with Edwin De Los Santos for the vacant WBC lightweight title. This 12-round bout, accompanied by undercard action, unfolds at the T-Mobile Arena on Thursday, November 16.
Las Vegas, renowned as the global hub for combat sports, will take a detour on Saturday, November 18, hosting a Formula 1 race at 10 p.m. local time. The unique circuit traverses The Strip, encircling the Sphere Arena, marking Formula 1’s return to the city since 1982.
With Top Rank navigating limited pre-Christmas options for Stevenson, a mid-week appearance aligns with historical norms when mid-week bouts were prevalent in Las Vegas.
This shift recalls iconic matchups like Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier 1 on a Monday night and Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns on a Wednesday night, showcasing the enduring tradition of mid-week boxing spectacles.
Shakur Stevenson vs Edwin De Los Santos Final Presser
During Tuesday’s press conference, where Emanuel Navarrete and Robson Conceição were also in attendance, here’s what the fighters shared:
Shakur Stevenson
“This means the world to me. I’ve been grinding my whole life for these moments. I’m back in the same situation I was before, fighting for another vacant title. I’m just here to do what I got to do. I’m focused. I’m ready. Showtime on Thursday.”
“My performance is based on how I feel. I’m performing for myself. I know that if I come in at my best, I will be hard to deal with for everybody.”
“He’s a fighter. You can tell that he has a lot of heart. It may work against him on Thursday night. But I definitely respect the fact that he took the fight.”
“This means a lot to me. I hope it’s a sold-out crowd. I want all the people to tune in. I’m focused and ready.”
Edwin De Los Santos
“Like I’ve always said, I’m not here to hesitate, I’m here to fight. As soon as we heard about the fight, we accepted the opportunity.”
“This is something that is super exciting for me. All boxers dream of becoming a world champion. My family is very happy, and I know that with the help of God I am going to be victorious, and the win will change my life.”
“On November 16, you will see an upset. Don’t be surprised.”
Emanuel Navarrete
“Robson represents an enormous threat in this fight. His style is very difficult. He’s a fighter who has an Olympic style. That makes it difficult for anyone with my style. But we worked on that. We worked on that in order to make the fight easier for me in that regard.”
“I like being active. I like working. I always like fighting, and I take the opportunities that appear in my career. So, basically, I just take advantage of it.”
Robson Conceição
“I heard of this {fight} the day before {a scheduled fight in September}, and I knew it was a big opportunity. And so, I was left very happy, and I accepted immediately. The more difficult things are for me, the better. So, I accepted immediately.”
“It’s tough to get three title opportunities. But that’s what happened in the amateurs. It took me three attempts to become an Olympic champion. So, the same will happen in professional boxing.”
Shakur Stevenson vs Edwin De Los Santos Fight Card
- Main Event: Shakur Stevenson vs Edwin de los Santos (WBC lightweight title)
- Co-main Event: Emanuel Navarrete vs Robson Conceição (WBO super featherweight title)
- Abdullah Mason vs Jose Maria Cardenas (lightweight)
- Emiliano Vargas vs Cristian Olivares (lightweight)
- Brian Norman Jr. vs Quinton Randall (welterweight)
- Floyd Diaz vs Max Ornelas (bantamweight)
- Andres Cortes vs Freddy Fonseca (super featherweight)
A stacked undercard of future 🌟s#ShakurDeLosSantos Undercard | THURSDAY | @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/oRloNTaPOc
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) November 14, 2023
Shakur Stevenson vs Edwin De Los Santos Fighting Style Comparison
Here’s an in-depth round-up of the skillsets of both contenders.
Shakur Stevenson’s Key Strengths
Quickness and Accuracy: Stevenson’s lightning-fast reflexes and pinpoint precision make him a formidable opponent. His ability to land crisp punches with ease is a testament to his mastery of the sport.
Defensive Prowess: Stevenson’s head movement is mesmerizing, making it extremely difficult for opponents to find their range. He masterfully evades incoming attacks, staying out of harm’s way while conserving energy.
Counterpunching Skills: Stevenson’s ability to capitalize on his opponent’s mistakes is unmatched. He patiently waits for the perfect opportunity to unleash a flurry of punches, often turning the tide of the fight in an instant.
Shakur Stevenson’s Key Weaknesses
Limited Power: Stevenson’s punching power, while respectable, is not his strongest attribute. He relies heavily on his speed and accuracy to outbox his opponents, which could prove challenging against a strong, durable adversary.
Experience: Despite his remarkable achievements, Stevenson is still relatively young in his professional career. He may lack the experience and ring IQ of more seasoned veterans, which could be exploited in long, gruelling fights.
Edwin de los Santos’s Key Strengths
Aggressive Style: De los Santos is a relentless forward-moving fighter, constantly putting pressure on his opponents. His relentless pursuit of victory makes him a fearsome competitor.
Powerful Right Hand: De los Santos’s right hand is a weapon of destruction. His ability to generate knockout power with that single punch makes him a constant threat to his opponents.
Skilled Body Puncher: De los Santos’s ability to attack the body is often overlooked. He can wear down his opponents with hard body shots, weakening them over time and opening up opportunities for head shots.
Edwin de los Santos’s Key Weaknesses
Susceptibility to Counters: De los Santos’s aggressive style can sometimes leave him open to counters. His forward movement can be predictable, making him an easier target for a patient, counterpunching opponent.
Lack of Defensive Discipline: De los Santos’s focus on offense can sometimes compromise his defence. He may neglect head movement and body protection, making him vulnerable to well-timed punches.
Stamina Concerns: De los Santos’s high-energy, aggressive style can take a toll on his stamina, especially in longer fights. He may tire in the later rounds, giving his opponent an advantage.
| Shakur Stevenson | Comparison | De los Santos |
| Quick, accurate, defensive boxer | Fighting Style | Aggressive, power-punching boxer |
| Speed, accuracy, defence | Primary Strengths | Power, aggression, body punching |
| Comparatively limited power, experience | Primary Weaknesses | Susceptibility to counters, defensive lapses, stamina concerns |
| Highly skilled potential champion | Fighting Potential | Strong contender with knockout power |
Both, Shakur Stevenson and Edwin de los Santos are exceptional boxers with distinct fighting styles. Stevenson’s speed, accuracy, and defensive prowess make him a difficult opponent to outbox, while de los Santos’s power, aggression, and body punching make him a constant threat to knock his opponents out. Their styles are sure to clash when they meet in the ring, creating an exciting and unpredictable showdown. However, with all said and done, Stevenson’s probability to outbox his opponent seems significantly higher.
Stevenson vs Santos Prediction
Stevenson, a technical maestro in the lightweight division, exhibits a versatile skill set. Recent wins, including a sixth-round TKO and a knockdown of Valdez, showcase evolving power. De Los Santos, an aggressive power puncher, leans on pressuring and left-hand strikes.
The bout is a classic boxer vs. puncher clash. Stevenson’s strategic brilliance and quickness create a wide talent gap, favouring him. Despite De Los Santos’ physical strengths, he lacks the finesse to impede Stevenson.
Predicting a TKO victory in the 10th to 11th round is grounded in Stevenson’s accuracy, fast hands, and ability to accumulate damage. While not a brute force puncher, Stevenson’s precision and speed can lead to a late-round stoppage or a decision if satisfied with his performance. Stevenson TKO-11.
Conclusion
The stakes are high, the atmosphere electrifying—this is more than a fight; it’s a collision of destinies, a moment etched in time. Don’t miss the drama, the power, and the finesse as these warriors step into the ring, leaving an indelible mark on the canvas of boxing lore.
The countdown has begun, and the stage is set for a night that promises to be nothing short of legendary. Rest assured, RDX Sports will be back with all the thrill, fun, and excitement!
