Live results: Stevenson wins by unanimous decision (115-113, 116-112, 116-112) over De Los Santos. He is now the new WBC lightweight champion at 135 pounds.
Shakur discusses his performance. pic.twitter.com/jpDTjLcwXZ
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) November 17, 2023
Two lightweights will square off for the vacant WBC title as Shakur Stevenson and Edwin De Los Santos headline an eight-fight card on Thursday, November 16. ESPN/ESPN+ will stream the fight live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET, as Stevenson and Santos are projected to hit the ring at 11:30 p.m.
The WBC declared former titleholder Devin Haney a champion, “in recess” following his move to 140 pounds for his bout against Regis Prograis. Now the stage is set for Stevenson or De Los Santos to capture the vacant belt.
Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs) is a former WBO featherweight and super featherweight titleholder, who turned professional in 2017. One of the best pound-for-pound talents in boxing, the 26-year-old out of Newark, NJ has his sights on a third title. He brings a high IQ and methodical approach to every fight, working to outsmart his opponents in almost every aspect. Stevenson knows a taste of gold at lightweight will open doors for the many call-outs he has made in the past.
Santos (16-1, 4 KOs) enters this bout on a three-fight winning streak and agreed to take on Stevenson in September. Ranked 6th on the current WBC contender rankings, the 24-year-old from the Dominican Republic gets a big step up in competition. Known for solid knockout strength, Santos looks to play spoiler toward Stevenson’s coming out party in the lightweight division.
Stevenson comes into the bout as the favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook. He is a -1200 favorite while Santos is a +700 underdog.
Shakur Stevenson vs. Edwin De Los Santos round-by-round results
Round 1: Stevenson 10-9
Wild right from De Los Santos to start, Shakur playing the patient game early. Slow start as both face-off dead center in the ring. Shakur ducks a De Los Santos right and counter with a nice right of his own. De Los Santos landing nothing at the moment. Shakur shoots a right to the body. Shakur’s defense allows him to breeze in round 1.
Round 2: De Los Santos 10-9 (19-19)
Conservative start for both, De Los Santos presses forward and connects with a nice left to the body of Stevenson. Stevenson clinches up and momentum back in the challenger’s side. Stevenson more prepped for De Los Santos power punches. Nice bounce back for De Los Santos.
Round 3: Stevenson 10-9 (Stevenson 29-28)
Stevenson studying the quickness of De Los Santos. De Los Santos jumps forward and misses a reckless right. Slow pace of action, outside of a Shakur jab. That just enough to get this one on the scorecard.
Round 4: Stevenson 10-9 (Stevenson 39-37)
Triple jab from De Los Santos and trying his best to fire away. De Los Santos swinging away and missing. Jab to the body from De Los Santos and the defensive fighter that Stevenson is helping his case on the scorecards.
Round 5: De Los Santos 10-9 (Stevenson 48-46)
Efficiency not on the side of De Los Santos as he’s landed 11% of his power punches. Right hand to the body connects for De Los Santos. More faints from De Los Santos and he’s trying to get some consistency but Stevenson has done a good job moving his head away from any punches.
Round 6: Stevenson 10-9 (Stevenson 58-55)
De Los Santos fainting his life away and many dull moments in this round. Stevenson may need to add some more offense to his strategy. May try to tire out De Los Santos here, but each round much like the last. Stevenson sneaks in some effective jabs, just enough to seal the round.
Round 7: Stevenson 10-9 (Stevenson 68-64)
Third time De Los Santos uses a forearm following the tie up. Stevenson with a nice jab before De Los Santos springs forward with a couple of wild missed punches. Right hand misses for De Los Santos again and Stevenson’s defense remaining stout.
Round 8: Stevenson 10-9 (Stevenson 78-73)
De los Santos struggling to land while Stevenson sticks with a nice jab and sound defense. Stevenson controlling the pace and wondering if a notch will be turned up toward the “championship” rounds.
Round 9: Stevenson 10-9 (Stevenson 88-82)
Right hook pops De Los Santos and finally some offense from Shakur. Not a big time punching exhibition but he has De Los Santos lost with good defensive instincts.
Round 10: Stevenson 10-9 (Stevenson 98-91)
Right counter lands up top for Stevenson. De Los Santos not throwing much and has completely lost rhythm. Counter right lands for Stevenson finally some offense! Third counter of the round and Stevenson in full control.
Round 11: Stevenson 10-9 (Stevenson 108-100)
De Los Santos can’t figure out Stevenson. Frustration building for De Los Santos and Stevenson winning handedly. Although both sides not really providing any offense.
Round 12: Stevenson 10-9 (Stevenson 118-110)
Counter 1-2 lands for Stevenson. Right hand from De Los Santos before a clinch match. Not a ton of action but hey Stevenson gets it done!