Someone we actually really like!
Shakur Stevenson Wins First Olympic Boxing Match
Shakur Stevenson, the 19-year-old sensation from Newark toted as the U.S.’s best chance at boxing gold since 2004, is a star.
The teen hit the ring in Rio Sunday against a Brazilian favorite and won the bout. If he wins his next match on Tuesday, Stevenson who’s named in Tupac Shakur’s likeness, will at least take home the bronze.
Stevenson, the No. 4 seed who’d gotten a bye in the opener, faced Robenilson de Jesus of Brazil, but the American didn’t let the raucous crowd bother him.
It did, however, come as kind of a shock to the system when he walked out and boos rained down upon him before his unanimous decision victory. Judges had it 29-28 twice and 30-27 for Stevenson, who was a far classier boxer and controlled the fight throughout.
“Before I heard the crowd, I was real excited,” Stevenson said. “But when I got there and they started booing, I got a little nervous.”
Stevenson, though, has the ability to, as Koroma says, “rise above,” and he did exactly that. He had much going against him in the bout.
He hadn’t fought since March. He was fighting the hometown hero, and DeJesus had an awkward, difficult style.
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Ireland’s Michael Conlan is the reigning world champion and looked outstanding Sunday in his win. Stevenson fights Mongolia’s Tsendbaatar Erdenebat next.
[…]With one more win, he’ll guarantee himself a medal. But he clearly has a preference.
“Gold, baby,” he said, beaming. “I’m going after that gold.”
Congrats to this magical black boy!
Are YOU watching Shakur Stevenson in the Olympics??? You should be…
AP Photo/Cathleen Allison/Frank Franklin II
