American boxing has three big superstars that fans must get behind – they are the future

There is no lack of superstar talent in US boxing, we need to simply get behind them.

That is the thoughts of talkSPORT Boxing’s Ade Oladipo who has identified three under-appreciated superstars, who are already taking over the sport.

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Many stateside believe the glamour days of Floyd Mayweather, Andre Ward and Mike Tyson emerging from the amateur ranks are far beyond us.

And with the retirement of Terence Crawford, many have bemoaned there is a lack of star power in the current crop of talent.

But Oladipo believes that there is a frightening pool of gifted pugilists, who need the backing from the US public.

He said on the latest Fight Night Extra: “Shakur Stevenson is on his way to becoming pound-for-pound number one.

“But he’s going to be battling these other Americans in Jesse Rodriguez and David Benavidez.

“Americans have been chasing a big name and they’ve got three.

“They just need to get behind these guys now and I think these guys are going right to the top.”

Other American superstars also lay waiting in the ranks including Devin Haney, Gervonta Davis, providing the latter can navigate outside of the ring issues.

But there is three current pound-for-pound ranked operators who have the potential to be the new US super powers in the current era.

Shakur Stevenson

Matchroom Boxing

Stevenson has already accomplished a frightening list of accolades before even hitting his prime.

Backed by recently retired US legend Crawford, Stevenson has a sensational and world class boxing IQ and skillset that is rarely seen in the sport right now.

Many have criticised his style just as they did Mayweather, but there is no arguments about his amazing talent.

After signing with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, the potential for Stevenson to pursue the biggest names is now endless.

He is hopeful he can secure bigger name dance partners that can mirror the magnitude of his career-best victory over Teofimo Lopez in January.

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez

Melina Pizano/Matchroom

Often fighters find it difficult to attract the superstar profile at lower weights, but Rodriguez is blazing his trail to the pinnacle of the sport.

A frightening punch and electric fast hands, Rodriguez has yet to meet a big name that has come close to halting his charge.

Stepping up to yet another new division, the American native is hopeful that all roads lead to a monstrous clash with Naoya Inoue.

Inoue is already a global superstar and a showdown with the Japanese great will be enough to send the young talent’s name into the stratosphere.

David Benavidez

A monster who has made a crushing impact at multiple weights, Benavidez already has the highlight reel to show for his talent.

But as he continues in his pursuit of history and big fights, the US public should be excited with every punch that the giant throws.

Chasing a cruiserweight unification, it would see a third weight dominated for Benavidez.

Throughout his career, he has had big outings, but is still chasing that huge breakout event to cement his superstar status.

After chasing Canelo Alvarez for so long to no avail, Benavidez can keep his momentum going by chasing as many epic tests as possible including Jai Opetaia, Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.

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