Combat sports show champions showing technicality and superior skill over their opponents. Nevertheless, what excites the combat sports community are knockouts and TKOs. With this in mind, Shakur Stevenson’s recent performance was not a crowd-pleaser, even though he won. The former two-division UFC champion, Henry Cejudo, recently offered some unexpected advice to Stevenson.Â
Cejudo’s suggestion was simple. He revealed that Stevenson should embrace the dark side. Stevenson, an undefeated champion, has been winning fights but losing fans. His recent victories by decision have left audiences underwhelmed. Cejudo believed Stevenson needs to shake things up and approach fighting like Ryan Garcia does.
I think he [Stevenson] needs to up the ante… If you are not knocking people out, but you have the skill you are really good, you gotta up the Garcia antics and do some crazy sh*t… If I’m in his position, I would be like it’s time to go the Garcia route.
Henry Cejudo via Pound 4 Pound Podcast
Ryan Garcia has made waves with his brash personality and social media presence. His antics have kept him in the spotlight. People talk about him whether they love him or hate him. Cejudo thinks Stevenson could benefit from a similar approach. It’s an interesting proposition for the technically gifted Stevenson.
He’s known for his defensive prowess and ring IQ. In today’s attention-driven sports landscape, Henry Cejudo doesn’t think that is enough. ‘Triple C’ argued that Stevenson needs to create buzz outside the ring. This could mean trash-talking opponents or stirring up controversy. It’s a risky strategy but one that’s worked for many fighters. Just look at Conor McGregor‘s meteoric rise.
Shakur Stevenson contests fan attendance at his recent bout
In the world of boxing, winning a fight isn’t always enough. Just ask Shakur Stevenson. The undefeated champion recently secured a victory over Artem Harutyunyan. Nevertheless, instead of basking in the glow of his win, Stevenson took to social media on a bizarre rant about his fight.
Shakur Stevenson (via Bad Left Hook)The online tirade touched on his fight and the fans leaving even during the fight. Stevenson revealed that the Newark crowd showed up at the Prudential Center for him despite a bad promotion for the fight. He even went on to thank those who wished he would have lost.Â
Them people tried they best to down me last night no matter how bad the fight was promoted them people still showed up for me S\O to Newark even the ones that came there hoping I loss I appreciate that sh*t.. Now they coming out with fake numbers knowing damn well we sold that sh*t out stay focused champ these fighters can’t beat u These bloggers can’t beat u and These higher power people can’t beat u It’s YOU VS YOU.
Shakur Stevenson via X
Them people tried they best to down me last night no matter how bad the fight was promoted them people still showed up for me SO to Newark even the ones that came there hoping I loss I appreciate that shit.. Now they coming out with fake numbers knowing damn well we sold that…
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) July 8, 2024
The numbers that were put out for the event were not impressive at all. Just around 8000 people had shown up, and many left the arena during Stevenson’s fight. However, Stevenson’s revelation that these were fake numbers has thrown this number up for discussion. What comes next for Shakur Stevenson remains to be seen. Maybe he will take up Henry Cejudo’s advice.Â
