HOTLY ANTICIPATED
Canada’s largest city plays host to a mouthwatering matchup, writes Paul Wheeler
Jack’s clash with Adonis Stevenson has got boxing fans salivating
FOR almost five years, Adonis Stevenson, 29-1 (24), has reigned as the WBC light-heavyweight king. During this time, the Haitiancanadian southpaw has successfully defended his title on eight occasions, though never against an opponent who truly got the public’s juices flowing. That is set to change this Saturday (May 19), when the 40-year-old champion puts his belt on the line against a morethan-worthy rival in EX-WBC supermiddleweight ruler Badou Jack, 22-1-2 (13).
Since claiming 168lb world honours to little fanfare on a majority verdict against pre-fight favourite Anthony Dirrell in April 2015, Jack has seen his stock steadily rise with each subsequent appearance. Five months after beating Dirrell, the Las Vegas-based Swede scored another upset, this time over George Groves, who was pipped to a split decision. A majority draw with former IBF super-middle champ Lucian Bute followed in April 2016, although Badou seemed unfortunate not to get the win. Justice was done when the result was changed to a disqualification victory for Jack as a consequence of Bute failing a drug test.
Next up in January last year came Jack’s memorable majority draw with James Degale in their thrilling unification scrap, before the Money Team member decided to move up in weight, as the strain of making 168lbs had become too much. In his first outing since switching to light-heavy, Jack impressively dismantled EX-WBO boss Nathan Cleverly in five rounds nine months ago. Cleverly announced his retirement immediately following the one-sided defeat. With his reputation now at a career-high, the muchimproved Jack is aiming to cement himself as one of the top 175-pounders on the planet by overcoming Stevenson inside Toronto’s Air Canada Centre. The 34-year-old said: “I know Stevenson’s very dangerous and that’s the reason I want to fight him. I’m all about the best fighting the best. I’m bringing the WBC belt back to Las Vegas.” Jack’s current prominent standing in the sport is a long way from where he was at pre-2015. In September 2013,
“The Ripper” did not look particularly sharp when being held to a majority draw by the ordinary Marco Antonio Periban. Then, in February 2014, the Scandinavian was shockingly bombed out in just 61 seconds by the unfancied Derek Edwards – the same Derek Edwards who, less than three years earlier, had been destroyed by Stevenson in three.
Although Stevenson swept Edwards aside, he too, like Jack, has a surprise early loss on his résumé. This came in April 2010 at the hands of the unpredictable Darnell Boone, who halted him in two (avenged via sixth-round KO in March 2013). Aside from the Boone reverse, Stevenson’s record is spotless.
Since sensationally knocking out then-division leader Chad Dawson in the opener to become WBC champion in June 2013, “Superman” has seen off some notable names in the likes of Tavoris Cloud (rtd 7), Tony Bellew (rsf 6) and Sakio Bika (ud 12). Last time out in June, he went over old ground by stopping the warmongering Andrzej Fonfara in two. Just over three years prior to this, Stevenson had been given a far tougher time by the Pole, before triumphing via unanimous decision.
With 28 wins out of 28 in Canada, Stevenson is understandably confident heading into his bout with Jack on home soil. The fearsome puncher declared: “I’m looking forward to winning this fight by knockout. I’ve got 12 rounds and I just need to touch you once to end it. It’s not complicated. I just need one shot and you’re not going to recover.”
Stevenson’s piston-like straight left is arguably the most destructive strike in all of boxing. The vim and vigour with which he bounds around the ring belies his age, as does the explosive nature of his withering blows. The muscular Blainville resident makes good use of his lengthy levers by shooting fast, flicking jabs up from his hip, targeting both the head and body. His furious flurries fly in from unconventional angles, including slashing overhand lefts and jolting uppercuts from the same fist.
Unlike Stevenson, who tends to hold his lead hand low and rely on fluid movement to avoid punches, Jack covers up well behind a tight, high guard. The pair do, however, share many common attributes, such as being physically strong and boasting swift handspeed. They each attack the midsection intelligently, as well as pump out effective jabs and quality one-twos. Both fought at a lofty level as amateurs, and they know what it feels like to be dropped and stopped.
Tall, tough and sturdy, Jack is a solid and skilled all-round fighter who possesses a fine work rate. He is patient and composed when coming forward, but knows when to step on the gas and increase the urgency with his accurate short left hooks and looping rights. He has been more active than Stevenson in recent times, too.
Jack will be typically disciplined in the early rounds, before Stevenson’s awkwardness begins to frustrate him, leading the challenger to open up more. When gaps start to appear in Jack’s defence, Stevenson won’t need a second invitation to exploit them. The champion’s pulverising power will prove the difference late on.
On the undercard of this GYM/ Lee Baxter co-promotion – live on Sky Sports Action/main Event (UK) and Showtime (US) – Colombia’s former amateur standout Oscar Rivas, 23-0 (17), will have too much in his locker for Belgium’s ex-european title challenger
Herve Hubeaux, 29-2 (14). Montrealbased Rivas can win this heavyweight 10-rounder on points.
THE VERDICT Stevenson gets the big test we’ve been waiting for.