Jones responds to Stevenson’s stage, not his opponent’s depth
Stevenson’s win over Teofimo Lopez is a true testament. Lopez was experienced, physically strong, and still dangerous. Stevenson controlled him and removed his offense over twelve rounds. That performance confirmed that Stevenson belongs at the elite level above 130. But this fight also stands largely alone in this category.
Edwin De Los Santos brought power but never beat an elite technician. William Zepeda was undefeated and aggressive, but was also entering his first real championship test. Both fights strengthened Stevenson’s position. None of them had the same established threat level as the elite opponents Mayweather faced early in his career.
Jones seems to be responding to Stevenson’s access to big stages rather than the full depth of elite opponents he has actually defeated.
By year nine, Mayweather was already facing the main elite threats
Mayweather’s early career was built on taking out elite threats, not positioning. Genaro Hernández had never been beaten at 130 when Mayweather stopped him to win his first world title. Diego Corrales went in undefeated at 33-0 and was considered one of boxing’s most dangerous punchers. Mayweather dropped him five times and forced a stoppage that took him out of the fight overnight.
Jose Luis Castillo provided a different kind of test. He was strong, aggressive and in his absolute prime. Mayweather fought through injury to win the first fight and came back to clearly decide the outcome in the rematch.
By the time Mayweather faced Arturo Gatti in 2005, he had already built a track record of dismantling elite opponents across multiple styles. The Gatti fight increased his financial position, but the competitive proof was already established.
Platform access accelerated Stevenson’s rise
Stevenson’s rise to the public eye happened more quickly. ESPN quickly moved him. Riyadh Season put him on the sport’s biggest stages. He got championship opportunities soon after entering new divisions. His ability warranted those opportunities, but the recognition comes faster than the opponent’s depth.
Visibility arrived before full opponent depth. Mayweather only reached that kind of stage after already beating undefeated punchers and reigning champions. He took those risks and removed those threats first. The stage came after the proof. Stevenson reached the stage while he was still building it.
Evidence against elite opposition continues to build over time
Stevenson showed he belonged. His win over Teofimo Lopez answered real questions. His control and composure separates him from most fighters in his divisions.
Jones’ comparison skips the order Mayweather followed. Mayweather built his reputation by taking out elite threats first. Recognition followed. Stevenson has the ability to build that kind of record, and he has started the process. The full list of elite opponents that defined Mayweather’s early career is still ahead of him.
