Stevenson vs. De Los Santos Confirmed For The Vacant WBC Lightweight Title On November 16th
Shakur Stevenson has agreed a deal to face Edwin De Los Santos for the vacant WBC lightweight title on November 16th, 2023.
The news will be welcomed by Stevenson, who has struggled to secure a title shot after having become the WBC mandatory at 135. The decision by Devin Haney to jump up to junior welterweight allowed Stevenson to face the next-highest-ranked fighter for the belt. However, that was not so simple. Vasiliy Lomachenko ruled himself out as the Ukrainian will not fight in 2023. Meanwhile, Frank Martin withdrew from negotiations on the grounds that the purse split was 50-50 or nothing, as per Stevenson. So the official confirmation will present Shakur the chance to become a three-weight world champion.
Shakur Stevenson and Edwin De Los Santos have agreed to a deal for a Nov. 16 fight in Las Vegas for the vacant WBC lightweight title, sources told ESPN.
The bout will headline a Top Rank Boxing on ESPN card on Thursday three days before Formula 1 debuts in Vegas.
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) September 13, 2023
“This fighter got more heart then the rest of em and truthfully speaking I believe he is a better fighter than [Martin] who got cold feet and pulled out.. but look u press up on me I will answer the phone call I don’t duck no smoke let’s get to it,” Stevenson said
De Los Santos may not have been the first name on everyone’s lips, but he will prove a good test. His record of 16 wins, 14 KOs and one loss has placed him as number six in the WBC rankings. He is also on a three-fight-win streak after suffering his first-ever loss against William Foster III. So, with plenty on the line, both fighters know that a win could propel their career moving forward.
Social Media Reaction
Damn that was fast 🔥 I got Shakur by UD 😤
— ✨Gizmo✨ (@gizmo_277) September 13, 2023
This shows shakur was not the problem
— Doggo Sports Takes (@DoggoSports) September 13, 2023
Good scrap I hope it happens! I got Shakur winning 10rounds
— GameFather.eth ✊🏿✊🏿 (@bjackson215) September 14, 2023