Experience
At 40 years of age Adonis Stevenson has fought 30 times with just one shock loss coming against American journeyman Darnell Boone in 2010, one the Canadian would later avenge. Stevenson has competed in nine world title fights at light-heavyweight, having spent just under a decade at super-middleweight. Badou Jack has 25 fights on his record with only two losses and one draw. Jack made four defences of the WBC super-middleweight title he won against Anthony Dirrell in April 2015 before moving up to 175lbs where he would beat Nathan Cleverly for the WBA ‘regular’ light-heavyweight title. Jack only having one previous fight at light-heavyweight and Stevenson having eight more than his opponent at the weight the Canadian champion just comes out on top in terms of experience.
Edge: Stevenson
Activity
Stevenson has fought six times in four years, during this period Jack became WBC super-middleweight champion, made three successful defences and moved up to light-heavyweight to become a two-weight titlist. Jack has fought 11 times since Stevenson captured the title in 2013 and for this reason the two-time world champion has the edge here.
Edge: Jack
Level of opposition
Across Stevenson’s eight defences amazingly the champion has only made one mandatory defence, against Britain’s Tony Bellew in November 2013. Stevenson has proceeded to make mediocre defences of his title while failing to meet former unified light-heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev. Jack has come up against the likes of Direll, George Groves, Lucian Bute, James Degale and Cleverly picking up two world titles along the way and not losing one, and for that, Jack has fought the better opposition.
Edge: Jack
Power
Both men have more wins by knockout rather than decisions on their record. Jack has 13 stoppages in 22 wins while Stevenson has knocked out 24 of a possible 29 opponents. Jack showed punch power at 168lbs stopping seven opponents and carried that up to light-heavyweight against Cleverly but Jack has yet to fully showcase his strength at the weight. Stevenson’s however has a near 83 percent knockout ratio at the light-heavyweight so it’s hard to argue the Canadian doesn’t hold the advantage in power from what he has shown so far.
Edge: Stevenson
Speed
Neither man has made a name for their speed, with Stevenson often remembered for his devastating power and Jack regarded as a brilliant all round boxer with great punch variety. Jack showcased real speed against DeGale and Cleverly when switching attacks from head to body while Stevenson is often keen to wait until he unleashes his southpaw shots. Jack’s more aggressive approach allows him to demonstrate faster hands.
Edge: Jack
