State Farm Arena, Atlanta Georgia:
In the Peach State, it was friends fighting for the WBO Junior Lightweight strap. Once referee Mark Nelson waived off the fight just 90-seconds into round ten, there was a new champion at 130; as Shakur lights up Herring throughout the fight.
??? ??? ??? WBO JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION‼️
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) October 24, 2021
Make that 2x world champion, @ShakurStevenson. ?#HerringStevenson pic.twitter.com/69nB3n0lhj
Right from the beginning it seemed the former U.S. Marine was in trouble. He allowed the 24-year old getting brasher fighter, Shakur Stevenson to dictate the contest. Jamel Herring sat back which allowed the now 17-0 two division champion to pick him apart.
Stevenson’s hand speed, combos, right hooks, and left hands were absolutely on fire. It was a case of the smaller fighter walking down the bigger fighter.
These combinations from the young gun @ShakurStevenson ?#HerringStevenson | LIVE on ESPN pic.twitter.com/dNLEavjYvb
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) October 24, 2021
And although Herring never went down he was getting pieced up badly. His left eye was swelling and he sustained a cut near his right eye. That’s when Stevenson put it into another gear.
It ends Herrings seven-fight win streak and reign in what was his fourth defense. Herring did try to murk it up a bit on the inside, however, Stevenson continued to walk through everything he threw. Post-fight the two fighters did hug it out admitting it was just business, and ending the chippiness.
An absolute class act @JamelHerring.
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) October 24, 2021
Salute to Semper Fi – one of the most inspiring figures in boxing ? pic.twitter.com/lErQgFDxUF
“Now that we’re not fighting, I love Jamel Herring.”@ShakurStevenson ? @JamelHerring pic.twitter.com/3wJdSROtQP
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) October 24, 2021
Shakur Lights Up Herring; What’s Next For The New Champion
Before this fight was even officially booked, Stevenson had targeted the WBC Champion, Oscar Valdez. Now that a belt is around Stevenson’s waist, you can bet he wants that fight even more now. Although there is a question of just how long he’ll stay at 130 before joining the rest of the young guns at lightweight. After all, there’s a lot more money to be made there, and to build upon a legacy.
If this fight proved anything, it’s that the 2016 Silver Medalist can back up his brashness. But can he handle the likes of the fighters at 135, who have the same speed and movement, with a little bit more pop in their hands is another question.
