November 1, 2022
Source: ESPN
Photo Source: Mikey Williams, Top Rank / Getty Images
People look at insecurities as a negative thing. But some people can take their insecurities and turn them into positives. Floyd Mayweather was probably one of the most insecure fighters on the planet. He controlled everything in and out of the ring.
But Mayweather used his worries as fuel to be catlike, ready to solve any problem inside that squared circle. These types of fighters will be damned if they're in a situation they can't get out of. They're so insecure in a unique way. And that's a good thing because they're perfectionists -- everything has to be as close to perfect as possible. They leave nothing to chance, and that, to me, is Stevenson in a nutshell. Besides the defense, besides the skill set and his abilities, I look at him and I see a certain quality governed by feelings and belief that no one can beat him.
His insecurities won't let him rest. And that scares him. But at the same time, he channels it and drives himself to be the best he can be all the time.
To be a champion, you must beat the other person with a title. And Stevenson wants to fight the best guys out there. You must have the right dance partners to not just become a champion but also make the Hall of Fame and become an all-time great. If he could have it his way, you line them up, and the young man believes he can knock them all down.
Stevenson is exceptionally talented, but any fighter can meet his match at the right time.
Shakur Stevenson has won titles in two divisions and is moving up again to make noise at 135 pounds, where Devin Haney is the undisputed champion and Gervonta Davis is one of the toughest challengers.
And don't forget about former champion Vasiliy Lomachenko, who is coming off victory this past weekend and wants to reclaim his status as the best in the division.
How does Stevenson match up with the top fighters in his new weight class? Former two-division champion and current ESPN boxing analyst Timothy Bradley Jr. makes a case for Stevenson to beat them all.
Stevenson has what it takes to beat anybody
Understanding Stevenson is a wonder in itself from inside the ring. I think his versatility, adaptability, mental toughness and willingness to compete against tough opponents and, more importantly, against himself are unique characteristics that each of the best the sport has ever produced. Like Muhammad Ali or Floyd Mayweather. I mention these guys a lot because they are among the best of the best, the brilliant minds of the game.
They all had that burning desire to be more than a champion, to be mentioned in the future and to be a figure in years to come. Even when they've gone away from the game, they will still be a part of boxing. We're still going to be saying their names. And I feel that's where Stevenson wants to be. Skill alone won't get you to this position, but becoming an all-time great takes beating the best over and over. However, self-belief and a massive dose of insecurities are also needed. Yes, insecurities.
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