Two-division world champion, Shakur Stevenson, been impressed enough to changed his analysis of a current world champion following his first defence.
Stevenson was previously vocal in his belief that Brian Mendoza would upset the Tim Tszyu party and end the Aussie’s short reign as WBO champion.
The lightweight title contender said that he doesn’t particularly rate Tszyu, despite admitting his surprise at the ‘Soul Taker’s’ knockout win over former WBC champion, Tony Harrison earlier this year.
“He [Mendoza] is a great fighter, I like him.“
“I think he beats Tim Tszyu. I’m not a big Tim Tszyu fan. I really ain’t see nothing too special about Tim Tszyu. He kinda proved me wrong with Tony Harrison so maybe he’s a little bit better than what I think.”
Mendoza was unable to bring the belt back to the United States, showing a quality skillset and chin against Tsyzu but ultimately not doing enough to win the fight from the seventh round onwards, and losing a unanimous-decision scored at 117-111, 116-12 and 116-112.
The champion impressed with his sharp offence, and, after the spectacle, Stevenson held his hands up on social media, stating that he was wrong about his ability.
“I was wrong bout Tim Tszyu, he looked better than I thought he was last night.”
I was wrong bout Tim Tszyu he looked better then I thought he was last night ?
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) October 15, 2023
Since the win, Tszyu has continued to pursuit of Jermell Charlo, who holds the three other world titles in the super-welterweight division.
Haveing said that, he has also said that he will not wait around for the American and that he wants to remain active, ticking off each and every fighter on his hit-list and chasing the belts if they become vacant.
