Stevenson unified a pair of lightweight junior titles in the process. (1:45)
As the seconds wound down on the biggest night of his career, Stevenson ran around the ring with his hands high.
He almost played with Oscar Valdez for 12 rounds in the main event of the Saturday before 10,102 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Stevenson is that good.
He used a southpaw jab and a left hand to set up his own powerful left hand and keep him at range. The unanimous-decision victory gave Stevenson a second title at 130 pounds.
Stevenson said that he is a superstar in this sport. Line them up. I am ready for whoever.
Stevenson had a career-best performance in his previous outing, a 10th-round knockout of Jamel Herring in his first bout against a reigning titleholder. The Newark, New Jersey-born Stevenson had been criticized for his risk-averse style but against Herring, he showed a more aggressive side.
He was a better fighter tonight. We will see what we have to do to improve. I don't think this is the end.
| Punches | Valdez | Stevenson |
|---|---|---|
| Total landed | 110 | 189 |
| Total thrown | 508 | 580 |
| Percent | 22% | 33% |
| Jabs landed | 6 | 31 |
| Jabs thrown | 147 | 282 |
| Percent | 4% | 11% |
| Power landed | 104 | 158 |
| Power thrown | 361 | 298 |
| Percent | 29% | 53% |
| -- Courtesy of CompuBox |
The biggest fight of his career took place after a maelstrom of controversy. The two-time Olympian from Mexico tested positive for a banned substance yet was allowed to defend his title against a Brazilian.
The first half of the bout was difficult for Valdez, but he came back to win. The bout was the first title defense for Valdez, who captured the belt from Berchelt in one of the best knockouts of the 21st century.
The 130-pound player was removed from the rankings after an adverse finding.
I'm not a cheat. Never have they been. In September, Valdez told Mark Kriegel that he never needed it. A lot of people say you are a cheat. You are using steroids. You came back positive and it is heartbreaking for me.
The former champion blamed the positive result on herbal tea.
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