Shakur Stevenson vs. Shuichiro Yoshino odds, predictions, best bets for 2023 boxing fight
The growth of Shakur Stevenson continues as the 25-year-old enters his third weight class, attempting to conquer one of the toughest divisions in boxing. In his way is a lightweight standout, Shuichiro Yoshino.
The fight will happen inside the Prudential Center on April 8 in Stevenson’s backyard. The fight will air on ESPN in the U.S.
A 2016 Olympic gold medalist, Stevenson has been a puzzle for boxers to solve since turning pro. An elite boxer, Stevenson's ability to control the ring is something to marvel at. He only has nine wins via knockout, but he has proven he doesn't need power to decimate the opposition. He may decide to change it up against Yoshino.
“This dude been running around here saying that I don’t have any power. He’s been saying that he’s going to push me mentally. Let’s see if he’s ready to go to deep waters with me. I’m going to drown him,” said Stevenson.
"You’re going to see everything in the arsenal. I’m going to go out there and box him. I’m going to beat him up. He’s going to leave that ring knowing that I’m the best fighter he’s ever been in the ring with.”
This is Yoshino's first time fighting outside of Japan. He's on a three-fight knockout streak and he is ready to fight for gold in a division that features Devin Haney, Gervonta Davis, and Ryan Garcia. He's certainly not afraid to prove detractors wrong.
Is there a cause for concern regarding Stevenson in a new division? Can Yoshino pull off the upset? The Sporting News is here to give some insight on how to bet on this fight.
Shakur Stevenson vs. Shuichiro Yoshino betting odds
Per Bet MGM, Shakur Stevenson is the -2000 favorite, while Shuichiro Yoshino is the +900 underdog.
Shakur Stevenson vs. Shuichiro Yoshino betting trends
- Stevenson via KO/TKO: +200
- Stevenson via decision: -225
- Yoshino via KO/TKO: +1400
- Yoshino via decision: +2500
- Draw: +2500
Shakur Stevenson vs. Shuichiro Yoshino prediction, best bets
Per Compubox, Yoshino averages 72.9 punches per round, landing 21.1 (29.1%). He also averages 30.4 jabs but lands 5.5 per round for an 18.1% rate.
Yoshino has landed 40.4% of his power punches. When it comes to body shots, that is Yoshino’s sweet spot but can he get past Stevenson's defense?
At such a young age, Stevenson has an incredible boxing IQ that allows him to glide past his opponents.
Stevenson has a +18.6 plus-minus rating, which is a stat that determines a fighter’s defensive efficiency by detailing how many times they land shots compared to shots landed on them. Stevenson ranks first out of all active fighters. He has a 31.5% connect rate, while his opponents only connect 13.8% of the time, the second-lowest total by active competition.
When he beat Joet Gonzalez for the WBO featherweight title, Stevenson landed 121 of 510 shots (23.7%) with 33 jabs. Beating Jeremiah Nakathila in a new division, Stevenson landed 114 of 304 blows (37.5%) with 26 jabs. He landed 65 jabs from 164 shots out of 530 (30.9%) against Jamel Herring and 31 jabs from 189 landed out of 580 (32.6%) against Oscar Valdez.
In his last fight against Robson Conceicao, Stevenson landed 199 of 531 shots (38% connect rate) and landed 47 jabs out of 211 attempts (22%).
Stevenson is known to coast through bouts. However, it's not a reason to dismiss his value. The fights that go the distance are one-sided training sessions. Stevenson can use his power to stop his opponents, but that's not quite his style.
Expect Stevenson to break down Yoshino as he has done against everyone else. In front of family and friends, Stevenson is ready to prove the lightweight division is his for the taking.
