It went down over the weekend at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta. It’s not every day that ATLiens and guests of the city are treated to top-shelf boxing on Oct. 23.
The night, presented by Top Rank Boxing featured up-and-coming superstar Shakur Stevenson and boxing veteran Jamel Herring and also showcased some of the brightest talent in boxing, two of which have ties to rich boxing legacies.
Haven Brady Jr. (19), the youngest of the group, maintained his undefeated 4-0 record by outboxing his opponent to a unanimous decision. Brady, the hometown favorite, from Albany Ga, has deep roots in Atlanta and East Point. Brady has been called a boxing prodigy. He signed as a pro at the age of 18 and skipped the 2020 Olympics.
Nico Ali Walsh (21), the grandson of the self-proclaimed greatest heavyweight of all time, Muhammad Ali, extended his professional record to 2-0 with a third-round TKO of James Westley. Nico showed boxing skills and ring savviness. He will definitely be one to watch in years to come.
Evan Holyfield (23), is another name rich with boxing royalty. Evan is the son of Evander Holyfield a prior undisputed champ in two classes, cruiserweight and heavyweight. He currently fights as a middleweight, boasting a professional record of 7-0. He maintained his undefeated record with a 2nd round KO of opponent Charles Stanford. Evander Holyfield was in attendance, gleaming with parental joy.
Xander Zayas, the journeyman of the young guns with a record of 11-0( 8 by KO), picked his opponent, Dan Karpency, apart for 4 rounds. His opponent wisely did not answer the bell for the 5th round. Zayas, out of all the young talent, is considered Top Rank’s most complete prospect.
The main event — the WBO Jr Lightweight Championship featuring Shakur Stevenson (24) vs. Jamel Herring (35) — solidified the night would be partial to the youth from round one. Stevenson was stronger, faster, and had the hunger of a young man who would not be denied. The fight was stopped by the referee in the 10th round, booking a 17th win for the exuberant Newark native.
