While Top Rank’s “next big thing” Shakur Stevenson (12-0-0) vs. Golden Boy blue-chipper Joet Gonzalez (23-0-0) is an exciting, cross-promotional battle between budding undefeated featherweights, the real billing behind the fight reads like a soap opera.
The two young bucks aren’t only fighting for the vacant WBO featherweight title on Saturday night (streamed on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. EST), but family pride as Gonzalez’s sister, Jajaira, is dating Stevenson. Naturally, there’s a lot of trash being talked:
There’s clearly bad blood so don’t expect any fist-bumps when the two knuckle-up this weekend. The Gonzalez family is not fond of Jajaira’s beau as the young couple’s relationship violates father Jose Gonzalez’s strict rule for her not to date until age 27.
Shakur Stevenson gets his world title shot
Newark’s Stevenson is just 22, but has been tabbed as a future pound-for-pound king and has all the time in the world to fulfill that potential. Mentored by Andre Ward, he first rose to prominence in 2016 after he brought home the silver medal at the Rio Olympics. Since then, he’s carved out a fearsome reputation in the pro ranks and is expected to win Saturday night’s bout.
In fact, up until a few days ago, this fight was pegged to be Stevenson’s coronating moment as boxing’s youngest world champion. That crown was scooped right up under him as the 20-year-old Devin Haney was handed the WBC lightweight belt mere days before the fight.
Although the Gonzalez family drama seems like a smart, fun way to sell a fight, this isn’t the first time Stevenson’s prodigious boxing talent has been marred by his out-of-the-ring behavior. Earlier this year, he was sentenced to a year of probation after his infamous 2018 South Beach parking garage melee.
It’s personal for Joet Gonzalez
For the blue-collar Gonzalez, pride is on the line. The Glendora, California native is facing his little sister’s boyfriend, that he hates. Talk about motivation. Luckily, the pressure fighter is most comfortable mixing it up and a blood-fueled brawl would work to his advantage against the more technical-minded Stevenson.
Beyond being a good son, Gonzalez has a chance to steal Stevenson’s shine as a top-class prospect. Keep in mind, he’s undefeated and only turned 26 earlier this month. A monumental upset over the untested Stevenson would skyrocket Gonzalez’s stock.
A must-watch undercard
The main support fight will feature Chicago youngster Joshua “Don’t Blink” Greer (21-1-1) vs. veteran Antonio Nieves (19-2-2) in a bantamweight duel. Greer is best known for bringing his signature “night, night” pillow to the ring with him. Seriously, it’s hilarious:
As for Nieves, the Puerto Rican comes to the ring pillow-less but brings with him a rugged, physical fight. The 32-year-old is best known for his loss to “Monster” Naoya Inoue, where he put up a valiant six-round effort against arguably the most destructive man in the sport.
Rising women’s boxing star Mikaela Mayer (11-0-0) will also be in action, taking on Argentinian journeywoman Alejandra Soledad Zamora (7-3-0). “Whatever your reason is, if you think I’m a pretty girl and you want to see me get my ass beat, then tune in,” said Mayer at the press conference. “Either way, it’s going to be an exciting fight. I feel like I always put on exciting fights, so this Saturday is not going to be any different. I’m stronger than ever. We’ve had a great training camp, a long one, and I feel good.”
How to watch Stevenson vs. Gonzalez
Like most Top Rank promoted cards, Stevenson vs. Gonzalez will be streamed on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. EST. New subscribers can sign up here. If you’re in the “the Biggest Little City in the World,” go watch the family drama live at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Tickets are still available and are as low as $40.50. Enjoy the fight!
