Well, Stevenson never did anything to get his shot at 175 in the first place. Thats sanctioning bodies for you. Its why no one takes them seriously anymore(or have done for quite some time) Not a terrible fight though. Bika never really gives anyone an easy fight
For someone with chin deficiencies like Adonis, this is a high risk fight. Bika will be there and dirty the entire time. If this is a "stay busy" fight to wait for Kovalev/Pascal I'm fine. No need to be on the shelf. If it's an avoidance tactic, he's a mitch
**** this, Bika's first fight a LHW is Stevenson? I really wish Stevenson went for Bute or Hopkins, his bull**** is getting old.
Better fight than Hopkins, Bika will make him fight, it could be an early night dont know if hes fought many big punchers might be a bad style for Bika, should be entertaining either way though.
Stevensons first real fight at 175 was against Dawson, and was the heavy underdog. Gotta take the opportunities when they arise
But that was after Ward decimated Dawson and took his soul, Stevenson should be defending his strap against proven LHWs.
Alright, but wouldn't you agree that Stevenson should fight guys like Bute, Kovalev, Hopkins and Pascal before going after SMWs?
Well Id consider Bika every bit as good a fight as Bute at this point in time tbh. Bute has one fight at 175 and he was beaten pretty easily. Like everyone else Id like to see Stevenson-Kovalev. He couldnt fight Pascal or Kovalev in THIS fight even if he wanted to.
Yeah, I know Pascal and Kov are busy with each other and Bute has had a few rough fights lately while Bika has been doing well (except vs Dirrel), but Bute is proven and experienced at 175. Not saying this is a bad fight or that Bika is bad, but I'd like to see Stevenson fight another veteran at 175, its becoming hard for me to support the guy lately.
Actually, this isn't a bad fight at all. Bika is a tough guy for anyone and should give Stevenson some problems. Now does Bika deserve a title shot having never fought at 175 and coming off a loss and a draw? Obviously no but the fight itself, since its happening, is a solid one. With them both on the same card a Stevenson-Beterbiev fight could be coming sooner than later. That's a very interesting match up.
Lot of disrespect towards Bika here. He'll get in there and make Stevenson earn the win, that you can be sure of. It's no pascal Kovalev (pascal/Stevenson seemed such a natural fight to make) and it would have been good to see him in with beterbiev than bika but it's far from the worst match up coming up.