Is a Shakur Stevenson vs Naoya Inoue catchweight fight feasible?
Heck of a fight but Shakur Stevenson of the US avoids tough fights lately so it is possibly something he is not interested in.
Inoue is much smaller though, so there is big advantages for Stevenson in such a fight.
Still, he is super fast, Inoue, and should have some speed on him.
Some notes on this possible fight;
- Both fighters have shown mutual interest in the matchup, certainly Inoue has
- A significant weight gap exists: Shakur Stevenson fights at 135 lbs, Inoue at 122 lbs
- Inoue has stated he won’t move up for at least another year
- A catchweight around 130 lbs has been suggested as a compromise
- Stevenson would have to cut down, Inoue would have to move up considerably
- Stevenson prefers Inoue come up to lightweight rather than meet lower
- Inoue prioritizes legacy and performance over chasing a payday
- Promoters have not ruled out the fight despite the weight disparity
- It would be Inoue’s most significant weight jump yet
- Stevenson would face the hardest puncher of his career
Inoue had a big victory over Junto Nakatani recently in Japan, a huge event in Japan, the US and around the globe.
Stevenson a solid victory over Teofimo Lopez but looks overrated at the moment after Lopez struggled in a majority points decision over Rolly Romero.
Stevenson much bigger though, Inoue has disadvantages but could out speed him and certainly test that chin.
Stevenson’ chin yet to be tested properly in the pro ranks.
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