Particulars: Friday (not Saturday) from Prudential Arena Newark, New Jersey (ESPN):
It’s Shakur Stevenson vs. Robson ‘Nino,’ Conceição, of Brazil.
Background: Stevenson is rightfully thought of as the next great thing – or one of them – but while young, at 25, we can only hope he doesn’t end up like a guy named Gervonta – who casually – seemingly without a care, let’s the best years of his life go by – to sort of quote Led Zeppelin.
Stevenson is a smooth, uncommonly clever leftie who can lead and counterpunch. He’s likable, friendly, and serious about the sport. ‘Classy’ is the word sportswriters rightly apply to the man and his vast toolbox.
I’m particularly impressed with Stevenson’s body punching and fast-twitch reflexes. He’s also fond of very hard, three-punch combinations to the head. In round 11 vs. Oscar Valdez, he landed several vicious three-punch combinations to the head, which I doubt Valdez will soon forget.
33-year-old Robson Conceição of Salvador Bahia, Brazil, is an excellent, sturdy test for Shakur, and I like this fight. Fans, not only did Conceição in my view, defeat common opponent Oscar Valdez, but the point taken from him may possibly be in the top 1-2 worst fake fouls to “help the favorite” in history.
As if Valdez’s fouls weren’t far worse.
You can be the judge at 3:59 here: ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z00Y7oE3JCo&t=1s
Conceição has a height advantage vs. Shakur, but his reach is only listed as 70” to Stevenson’s 68.” Conceição is a good body puncher and, at least on that night, better than Valdez. He’s basic, but he’s tough as leather.
He also has some options upstairs, a looping right to the head – which won’t help him against Stevenson, and a compact right cross, that may. He landed a good right uppercut to the body against Valdez repeatedly, but it can be telegraphed, and the super quick Stevenson will, I think, easily make him miss and make him pay for that shot.
Fighters Grades: (Speed, Power, Defense, Reach, Age, Stamina, Experience)
Shakur Stevenson: B+ B B+ B- B B+ B Total: B (3.1)
Robson Conceição: B-C+ B B- C+ B B Total: B- (2.7)
Reality check: Shakur Stevenson seemed (a little) bit surprised at the intensity Conceição flashed him during the standard press conference stare down, but it’s probably all down to Conceição knowing little/no English and Stevenson – less, Portuguese Brazilian. Conceição seems like a tough, uncowed opponent, but we’ll know better when the bombs come out.
There are one or two factors that could help Conceição: He lands that good inside cross, and for all the ease with which Shakur conquered Valdez – he was clipped with rights several times. He has a good chin, and Valdez’ ‘huge’ power is overstated. The other factor is that Conceição was, in the Valdez fight, the better man in my opinion.
Fight and prediction:
Given Conceição’s towering height advantage, I’m looking forward to this one. I don’t see enough in his skill set though, for anything but a Stevenson victory.
A KO is the right look for a guy so rightfully touted, but instead, I see a solid UD, though a late TKO is also a good wager. The fight going down in Stevenson’s hometown of Newark makes winning a close bout nearly impossible for Conceição.
Shout-out to Editor Raspanti: John, how do you like Conceição’s chances: ‘barely, slim, or none?” Come in, John…
John: Slim to none. Conceicao will have to hurt Stevenson to have a chance. He can’t outbox him. Stevenson is way more talented and multidimensional.
Shakur Stevenson Wide UD 12 Robson Conceição
Fans: Speaking of Maxboxing.com editor John Raspanti…John has interviewed most of the best fighters out there – some many times over. Sometimes it’s better to hear from these remarkable men and women than from me.
Let us KNOW which fighters you’d like interviewed and come with a couple of questions (and only a couple, please) you’re dying to have answered, and we’ll see if we can’t make it happen.
