Mike Tyson has given a thumbs up to Shakur Stevenson's recent boxing performance. The heavyweight legend shared his thoughts just days after Stevenson's fight against William Zepeda.
Tyson, who became the youngest heavyweight champion in 1986, knows a thing or two about impressive performances. He held the WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles, reaching undisputed status at just 21 years old. After nearly two decades away from the ring following his loss to Kevin McBride, Tyson made a comeback against Jake Paul in November.
Now, from the sidelines, Tyson watches a different style of fighter. He took to social media to praise Stevenson's recent showing:
"In my opinion, Shakur Stevenson looked the best he ever looked in his last fight. Those masterful combinations and head movements. He's still young and doing that and he looked superb. And everybody wants him to show people he can take a punch, but the art is hit and not get hit. That's boxing and that was the best fighter he ever fought."
Tyson added: "The fight was tough and he beat him with no problem. In the middle of the ring, he was beautiful. I just don't like when he gets on the ropes for too long."
Stevenson, the 27-year-old WBC world lightweight champion, put on a show against William Zepeda at Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York City on Saturday night. He won by unanimous decision, marking his third straight defense of the WBC crown at 135lbs.
The win proved wrong those who said Stevenson wasn't main-event material. His masterful combinations and head movements caught Tyson's eye, showing that sometimes the art of boxing is about not getting hit.
Stevenson's performance got a nod from one of boxing's greatest. It's a sign that the young champion is making waves in the sport, impressing even the legends who came before him.
