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140827) — NANJING, Aug. 27, 2014 — Gold medalist Shakur Stevenson of the United States of America reacts during the awarding ceremony of men s fly (52kg) of boxing at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, east China s Jiangsu Province, Aug. 27, 2014. )(zc) (SP)YOG-CHINA-NANJING-BOXING ChenxCheng PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN Nanjing Aug 27 2014 Gold medalist Shakur Stevenson of The United States of America reacts during The Awarding Ceremony of Men s Fly 52kg of Boxing AT The Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing East China s Jiangsu Province Aug 27 2014 ZC SP China Nanjing Boxing PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN

via Imago
140827) — NANJING, Aug. 27, 2014 — Gold medalist Shakur Stevenson of the United States of America reacts during the awarding ceremony of men s fly (52kg) of boxing at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, east China s Jiangsu Province, Aug. 27, 2014. )(zc) (SP)YOG-CHINA-NANJING-BOXING ChenxCheng PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN Nanjing Aug 27 2014 Gold medalist Shakur Stevenson of The United States of America reacts during The Awarding Ceremony of Men s Fly 52kg of Boxing AT The Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing East China s Jiangsu Province Aug 27 2014 ZC SP China Nanjing Boxing PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN
In the high-stakes world of professional boxing, a fighter’s words can be as scrutinized as their punches. Shakur Stevenson, a name synonymous with skill and potential, recently faced Edwin De Los Santos. The bout, however, lacked the fireworks fans expected. Stevenson’s victory was shadowed by underwhelming performance, prompting a flurry of questions and boos.
In a curious twist, Stevenson turned to Instagram for an explanation. He posted a personal text to his girlfriend before the fight. The message was simple, yet it opened a Pandora’s box of skepticism. What did he say and why are the fans not happy with it?
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From shoulder injury to fever…
In an attempt to explain his subpar performance, Stevenson shared a screenshot on Instagram, revealing a text sent to his girlfriend before the fight. The message, “Ion feel that good bae but if I gotta jump in my bag and get the win I’m gone do that😤,” intended to convey his determination despite not feeling well, inadvertently sparked controversy.
Additionally, Bob Arum, the famed boxing promoter, attributed Stevenson’s lackluster showing to a shoulder injury, further fueling the narrative of an impeded performance. However, fan reactions were anything but sympathetic. One fan humorously suggested Stevenson might have sent the text to himself, implying doubt over the message’s authenticity.
Man prolly texted himself. 😂
— Nashaun Dj (@NashaunDj) November 21, 2023
Another observed that such preemptive messages could easily be a common strategy among boxers to cushion the blow of a potential poor performance or loss.
every boxer can do this as a precaution if they lose or perform poorly
— Nathannn🥷 (@NathannnNFTEE) November 21, 2023
A third commenter pointed out the inconsistencies in Stevenson’s various explanations, questioning the real reason behind his subpar performance.
A broken hand, sick, bad performance? Which one is it?
— Matthew (@Matthewcharlt) November 21, 2023
Echoing a more straightforward sentiment, another fan expressed that Stevenson should simply acknowledge his poor showing instead of offering excuses.
No need for this! Put your hand up mate and say I performed shit house, next time I will be better!
— Unbroken 139 (@unbroken139) November 21, 2023
Lastly, a critique of Stevenson’s texting style emerged, with a fan remarking on the unexpected informality and tone for a professional athlete.
Grown ass man texting like that
— Overturn (@overturnthat) November 21, 2023
These diverse reactions paint a picture of a fanbase grappling with disappointment and skepticism. Further reflecting the challenging dynamics of athlete-fan communication in the age of social media.
Shakur Stevenson responds to the criticism
In the face of criticism, Shakur Stevenson displayed a blend of resilience and humility. Confronting his less-than-ideal performance, he openly admitted to not being at his best, choosing honesty over excuses. This approach reflects a winner’s mindset that values integrity and personal growth. Stevenson’s response, “I been here before no worries Ian tripping. I’m gone let y’all have y’all moment lol.. I’m gone enjoy my family and rest up see y’all soon,” highlighting his choice to focus on family and recovery, rather than dwell on negativity.
This stance, amidst the shade thrown not just by fans but also contemporaries like Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney, underscores Stevenson’s priority on personal well-being and family, showing a commendable balance between professional and personal life.
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Also Read: Oscar De La Hoya Calls-Out Shakur Stevenson to Fight Ryan Garcia in Bold Claim
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While skepticism surrounds his explanations, his response and focus on family offer a glimpse into his priorities beyond the ring. How should athletes balance transparency with maintaining their personal well-being in the face of public scrutiny? What are your thoughts on this delicate balance in the world of professional sports?
Watch this story: Five Potential Opponents for Shakur Stevenson after Edwin De Los Santos Fight
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