[Boxing- USA] 8.4/ 23:00 S.Stevenson- S.Yoshino

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[Boxing- USA] 8.4/ 23:00 S.Stevenson- S.Yoshino

Stevenson wants to be considered among the top lightweights, then he can't just win against Yoshino. As a -1600 favorite, he should be in control of this fight from pillar to post.

For Stevenson to become a full-fledged star, he's going to have to overcome a general lack of power. It's not impossible to become a household name without stopping power, but it does make it more difficult.

Stevenson's hand speed is elite, and he's a good defensive fighter. But he has just nine knockout wins to his name. He's not likely to put together a highlight reel of knockouts.

He can, however, utilize the fact that he's the much quicker, slicker and more technical boxer in this one to rack up the damage against his opponent.

If Yoshino is able to catch him and make a few of these rounds competitive, it's going to be a bit of a ding in Stevenson's quest for respect in the division. If Yoshino actually pulls off the upset, it's a major setback.

This was definitely a well-thought-out matchup by Top Rank. The promotion has a potential star on their hands in Stevenson, and a move to lightweight gives him all kinds of opportunities.

Stevenson is an excellent counter-puncher, while Yoshino is an aggressive power puncher. It's a match made in heaven for Stevenson. He's going to stick, move and counter all night.

Stevenson has all the tools in his kit to use Yoshino's aggression against him. While the Japanese underdog is going to come forward and go for the knockout, Stevenson is likely to use those as opportunities to fire back counters.

The biggest question comes in whether that equates to a knockout win for Stevenson. He's generally a decision machine, but many of his opponents don't play into his hands as a counter-puncher once the fight is out of hand.

Yoshino is not going to put it in cruise control. He'll keep coming forward and keep throwing. Unfortunately for him, that could mean a late stoppage.

Stevenson by KO/TKO @3,50 Bet365