Shakur Stevenson delivers brilliant performance, stops Shuichiro Yoshino in six

The top 135-pounders in the world are officially on notice.

Shakur Stevenson turned in a brilliant performance in his lightweight debut Saturday in Newark, New Jersey, outclassing and then stopping previously unbeaten Shuichiro Yoshino in the sixth round of a scheduled 12-rounder.

The former 130-pound champ picked Yoshino (16-1, 12 KOs) apart beginning in the second round, using his superior ability and quickness to land almost at will and take virtually nothing in return.

Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs) landed 104 of 174 of his power shots, which is a ridiculous 60%.

The referee had seen enough 😤 @ShakurStevenson is at a different level at lightweight. #StevensonYoshino pic.twitter.com/6mauBjGY9R

— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) April 9, 2023

Yoshino fought aggressively but couldn’t get anything done. That included his inability to stay on his feet against an opponent not known for his punching power.

The Japanese contender went down from a straight left in Round 2 and from  a right hook, which punctuated a vicious three-punch combination, in Round 4.

By then it was already clear that Yoshino was in over his head and probably wouldn’t survive to hear the final bell.

Stevenson continued to deliver a brutal beating in Round 5, prompting referee Allen Huggins to save the brave, but grossly overmatched Yoshino from further punishment.

The official time of the stoppage was 1:35.

Now Stevenson will target the top 135-pounders in the world.

Undisputed champion Devin Haney defends his undisputed championship against former titleholder Vasiliy Lomachenko on May 20. Gervonta Davis is scheduled to face Ryan Garcia in a 136-pound bout on April 22.

“Tell all the other lightweights to get ready,” he said. “I’m waiting for them. I can’t wait for them to finish the fights that they have going on. Then it’s my turn.”