NEWS: LOU DiBELLA PRAISES STEPHAN SHAW FOR STEPPING UP TO FACE EFE AJAGBA

By: Jay Calderon

Originally, Heavyweight contender Stephan Shaw was set to face Guido Vianello on Saturday, as part of the Efe Ajagba vs. Oscar Rivas ESPN telecast. However, Shaw saw an opportunity to step up in the biggest fight of his career when Rivas had to withdraw due to an eye injury.

While his promoter Lou DiBella thought it might be a bit too soon to challenge the likes of Ajagba, Shaw wanted to step into that main event slot. DiBella understands it's a tough fight, but admitted he was appreciative of Shaw wanting to test himself against the best available option.

"It's a tough fight," DiBella told BoxingScene.com. "But if [Shaw] wins the way I think he'll win, I think he's ready for anybody. ... Right now, it's very hard to get guys to accept risky fights, period. But to get a guy to ratchet it up on short notice to get in a main event, you don't see this in boxing much anymore, forget about the Heavyweight division.

"It speaks volumes to me about the fact that this guy is the real motherfucker he thinks he is. And I respect that. I'm not gonna stand in the way of a guy like this. He wanted this and he got it. I applaud his attitude," stated DiBella.

Shaw, 18-0 with 13 KOs, has had a bit of a start/stop career thus far, having admitted he was in "dark places" when he wasn't quite reaching his full potential. However, with a win over the highly-ranked Ajagba, Shaw would certainly propel himself to the forefront of the division.

Shaw was last in the ring in November of last year, defeating Rydell Booker by unanimous decision. This was Shaw's third win in as many fights in 2022.

Ajagba, 16-1 with 13 KOs, last saw action in August, stopping Jozsef Darmos in two frames. Ajagba was bouncing back from the first loss of his career, which happened at the hands of Frank Sanchez in late 2021.

To check out my prediction for Efe Ajagba vs. Stephan Shaw, you can click here.

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