The Left-Hook Lounge Mailbag: Shakur Stevenson Silences the Critics, Hamza Sheeraz Silences Berlanga!

Shakur Stevenson silences the critics, Hamza Sheeraz silences Berlanga!

Andre U. (Orlando, FL): You've been critical of Shakur Stevenson at times in the past. How did you rate his performance and how do you rate him against the top competition in his weight range?

(Vivek W. / The VIP Crew): For starters, congrats to Shakur for silencing the critics! Myself included! I had it much closer than the judges scored it, but what appealed to me was the fact that he gave us something we hadn't seen, and in essence, something I wasn't totally sure he could deliver. A rugged, hard-fought victory that would require him to walk through the fire down to the wire. From the day this fight was signed I had the same "million dollar question" for Shakur that I have for every defense-first tactical fighter: CAN THEY TAKE A LICKIN' AND KEEP ON TICKIN'?

In previous era's, we saw Sweet Pea, Hopkins, Toney and Mayweather all answer this question with relative ease. Unfortunately, defensive fighters in this current era seem to have far less confidence in their chin. A tendency that forces them to take far fewer chances, creating fights that aren't always pretty to watch. We knew Shakur had the speed to land. Saturday night, he showed us that he can handle a decent puncher that knows how to land as well. I can't speak for everyone, but my personal questions were answered. Inside, outside, box, brawl, the kid can do it all!

The only logical question at this stage would be his official ceiling, from a weight class standpoint. He's not a massive puncher and similar to Mayweather, is plagued with brittle hands. He has the skills to compete, but at some point, water runs dry. Although we saw Floyd venture slightly north of 147lbs, I think Shakur may be capped out at that weight as a maximum. Looking at the competition from the 140lb range and south, I think Shakur has established himself as the odds-on favorite. It's too early to tell with a few of the young guns, but I think the terrain is easy to read beyond that.

Tank has the power to hurt him, but we've seen Tank outboxed by fighters nowhere nearly as talented, relying on a one-hitter-quitter that likely won't land. I like Shakur on points in that one. Teofimo Lopez has the tools and toughness, but we don't always know which version of Teo will show up. Roach would be interesting, but Haney vs Shakur (at 140) would have been the most intriguing match to me by far. Neither are a big puncher. Both have a prowess for defense and a sharply crafted offense. If I had to drop a few ducats in the bucket, I'm going with Shakur in that one! He has shown that he can take a bigger punch, and we can logically conclude that he would also land the bigger punch. Just my thoughts....

Carlos N. (Houston, TX): I'm a big Berlanga fan, originally from Ponce, Puerto Rico. Tough weekend for PR. What do you see next for our guy (Berlanga)?

(Vivek W. / The VIP Crew): Respectfully, I think the outcome we saw this past Saturday night was very predictable and easy to see from a mile away. As a journalist that has covered this sport for over 20 years, there's one thing you can spot from a mile away that sticks out like a sore thumb: that's a fighter more wowed by his 'trinkets' than he is with the opportunity before him that allowed him to get them.

All these 'silk pajama' fighters (as the great "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler called it) have the same "starter kit". A few hundred thousand followers on social media, a video vixen, ice around their neck, and a set of terminator glasses (optional)! Those things are great for the camera, but they don't mean a thing when punches start flying in that ring! The real ones know to keep the main thing the main thing! All that other stuff stays in the closet until the job is done. Similar to most power punchers, Berlanga fell in love with his power and forgot you can't hurt what you can't hit!

I like the kid! Friendly disposition.... enough personality to move between lanes - so to speak. In the ring, he's a strong, strong, young bull. Unfortunately, that doesn't take you where you want to go in this sport. Berlanga needs three things in a major way right now:

COMPLETE COMMITMENT (to his craft), TOUGHER TRAINING, AND A GREAT SPORTS PSYCHOLOGIST. (I know a few for those looking). A little time in that mental space away from the game and he'll be back, ready to bring the pain! Next stop after he shakes this one off should be Caleb Plant. Both men are coming off a loss, and both have a lot to gain. I think it's the ultimate litmus both ways. Hopefully we get this fight soon, if not next!

Franz W. (Reseda, CA): Hamza Sheeraz really got my attention last Saturday. Do you think the win over Berlanga was more about what Berlanga couldn't do or more about what Shareez is able to do?

(Vivek W. / The VIP Crew): In short, Sheeraz did what every fighter in his position wants and needs to do. He got an amazing opportunity and found a way to seize the moment! When you look at all of his recent adversity (new weight division, new trainer, etc); this was a perfect recipe for disaster. Rather than hanging his head low, he turned this into a solid ten-toes-down, chin up, chest out moment! I'm not among the group of fans and media yelling for Canleo next, but he has a very clear path to something bigger, and he has the attributes to seize it again. I look forward to seeing what's next. For now, job well done! I hope he savors this moment! In the "hurt" game, as he knows, you can land on the other side of this line very quickly!

(Vivek "Vito" Wallace can be reached at therealvipcrew@gmail.com or 561.618.8480)