Gervonta Davis Eyes Shakur Stevenson, Devin Haney After Ryan Garcia Fight in 2023
Dec 12, 2022
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK - MAY 28: Gervonta Davis in action against Rolando Romero during their fight for Davis' WBA World lightweight title at Barclays Center on May 28, 2022 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Gervonta Davis does not waste time targeting his next opponent.
Despite having bouts against Hector Garcia (Jan. 7) and Ryan Garcia already on the books, Davis said he's already looking forward to matchups against Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney.
"I'm pushing for it," Davis told TMZ Sports.
The bout against Hector Garcia is largely seen as a warmup for a 136-pound catchweight fight against Ryan Garcia, who has engaged in a war of words with Davis for several months. Hector Garcia is 16-0 with three no-contests and will face long odds at ending Davis' 27-fight winning streak.
Davis and Ryan Garcia would be one of the biggest fights on the 2023 calendar.
"Boxing needs this fight right now," Garcia tweeted. "It's time for us to get back to what made this sport so great for the fans: Glamourous fights in places like Las Vegas, grudge match storylines, and most importantly—the best fighting the best."
Assuming all parties get the job done in their next fights, Davis and Stevenson also have all the hallmarks of a financial bonanza. Stevenson is undefeated since turning pro after winning a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Haney is equally impressive, winning all 29 of his pro fights on his way to becoming the undisputed lightweight champion.
Shakur Stevenson Routs Robson Conceição by Unanimous Decision After Missing Weight
Sep 24, 2022
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 23: Shakur Stevenson gets his hands wrapped before his WBC and WBO junior lightweight championship fight with Robson Conceição, at Prudential Center on September 23, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
Shakur Stevenson defeated Robson Conceição by unanimous decision (118-108, 117-109, 117-09) on Friday at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Stevenson dominated the one-sided boxing match early, as trainer and analyst Teddy Atlas noted in Round 4:
This is a chess match, problem is that Conceicao is playing checkers. 1 sided. #StevensonConceicao
To Conceição's great credit, though, he stayed alive and went the distance.
This match was originally supposed to feature Stevenson putting his WBC and WBO super featherweight belts on the line in his hometown against Conceição.
However, Stevenson missed weight by 1.6 pounds at the official weigh-ins, and he was subsequently stripped of his belts.
Unified champion Shakur Stevenson weighed in at 131.6 pounds for tomorrow’s junior lightweight title bout.
That led to a situation where only Conceição could win those honors on Friday. Conceicao also didn't even have to take the fight after Stevenson missed weight, but he kept his opponent and fought valiantly.
As for Stevenson, he went to Twitter before the match and explained the situation, noting that he's going to ultimately going to move up to 135 pounds.
I gave it my all. I’ve been professional my whole career and made weight, but my body just can’t make 130 anymore. My health has to come first. I’m moving up to 135 in my next fight.
Stevenson and Conceição served as the main event on a Top Rank boxing card that aired on ESPN. The other main card fight saw Keyshawn Davis defeat Omar Tienda via a fifth-round TKO.
The 25-year-old Stevenson is now a perfect 19-0 (nine knockouts). He won the WBO super featherweight title by a 10th-round TKO over Jamel Herring in Oct. 2021 before taking down Óscar Valdez via unanimous decision last April for the WBC belt.
The 33-year-old Conceição is 17-2 (eight wins by knockout). He won his first 16 fights before falling to Valdez via unanimous decision for the WBC super featherweight title. Conceicao rebounded with a unanimous decision win over Xavier Martinez last January.
Shakur Stevenson vs. Robson Conceição: Fight Odds, Live Stream, Predictions
Sep 23, 2022
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 22: Shakur Stevenson (L) and Robson Conceição (R) pose during the weigh in ahead of their WBC and WBO junior lightweight championship fight at Prudential Center on September 22, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
Shakur Stevenson is set to fight Robson Conceição on Friday night, but he won't be doing it as a world champion.
Stevenson (18-0, 9 KOs) was stripped of the WBC and WBO super featherweight titles after failing to make the 130-pound weight limit Thursday. He weighed in at 131.6 pounds, while Conceição (17-1, 8 KOs) tipped the scales at 129.6 pounds.
Despite the prospect of losing his titles and also potentially having the fight called off, Stevenson declined to make another attempt at getting under the weight limit.
The 25-year-old explained his decision on Twitter, citing his health and a planned move to the lightweight division:
I gave it my all. I’ve been professional my whole career and made weight, but my body just can’t make 130 anymore. My health has to come first. I’m moving up to 135 in my next fight.
The two sides were able to come to a purse agreement to keep the fight alive, per ESPN's Mike Coppinger. For Stevenson, Friday's contest is simply a chance to showcase his skills against a tough veteran opponent. He cannot regain the titles with a win.
Conceição, 33, is still eligible to claim the belts if he scores an upset.
Stevenson vs. Conceição Fight Info
When: Friday, Sept. 23 at 10 p.m. ET (main card)
Where: Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey
TV: ESPN (US), Sky Sports (UK)
Live stream: ESPN+
Odds: Stevenson -1700 (bet $1,700 to win $100), Conceição + 900 (bet $100 to win $900)
As expected, Stevenson is a heavy favorite to win on Friday. The inability to make weight would be cause for alarm in many cases, but he has been teasing a move to 135 pounds for months now. This failure on the scales might not signal a lack of preparation like it does in so many other cases.
Even so, the New Jersey native can't afford to be overconfident. He still has an undefeated record to protect, and he'll want to impress against Conceição so that he can send a message to the star-studded lightweight division, which includes Devin Haney, Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia, Vasiliy Lomachenko and George Kambosos Jr., among others.
If Stevenson's last fight is any indication, he should be able to handle whatever Conceição throws at him.
In April, the southpaw dominated Oscar Valdez over 12 rounds to retain his unified titles. His defense was excellent against the aggressive Mexican, as he snuffed out attacks with ease and lined up his countershots.
He also did well on offense, scoring a knockdown in the sixth round and using his length and speed to pick apart Valdez. For the methodical, risk-averse Stevenson, it was one of his more entertaining outings.
Conceição fought Valdez in September 2019, losing a controversial decision. While some felt the Brazilian deserved a win, it wasn't a dominant, wire-to-wire display like the one Stevenson put together. He started off the match brightly, but the later rounds were muddied.
It seems Stevenson has done his homework, as he's expecting a similar pattern on Friday.
“I think his weakness is he has more of an amateur style, where he’s a front-runner," he told Anson Wainwright of The Ring. "I think he starts off fast, but as the fight goes on, he slows down and then I’ll take over. I don’t think he can do anything to stop me. I think it’s a great fight, but I’m on a whole different level."
Conceição, a 2016 Olympic gold medalist, believes Stevenson isn't fully aware of his capabilities and is looking past him.
“Shakur is definitely underestimating me,” he said through a translator, per Keith Idec of Boxing Scene. “That’s gonna be the biggest mistake of his career, underestimating a man like me, who’s really willing and hungry to win. He never really faced anyone like me, an athlete of this caliber, and that’s gonna be his downfall.”
There is indeed a chance Stevenson isn't completely focused on this fight given the failure to make weight and his focus on transitioning to lightweight. But as long as he's at least close to his peak, he should be able to win this fight, even if he has to slow things down and make it boring.
Conceição is a tough, smart boxer, but he lacks the kind of power that might give other fighters an edge against the American.
With the backing of a hometown crowd and a spotless record to protect, look for Stevenson to safely navigate a tough first few rounds before taking control and winning the fight handily on the cards.
Prediction: Stevenson by unanimous decision
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Shakur Stevenson Stripped of Titles After Missing Weight for Robson Conceição Fight
Sep 22, 2022
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 22: Shakur Stevenson (L) and Robson Conceição (R) face-off during the weigh in ahead of their WBC and WBO junior lightweight championship fight at Prudential Center on September 22, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
Shakur Stevenson will be stripped of his WBO and WBC featherweight titles after failing to make weight ahead of his matchup with Robson Conceição on Friday, per ESPN's Mike Coppinger.
Conceição will still be eligible to claim both titles with a win.
Stevenson said Thursday on Twitter that he's no longer capable of hitting 130 pounds:
I gave it my all. I’ve been professional my whole career and made weight, but my body just can’t make 130 anymore. My health has to come first. I’m moving up to 135 in my next fight.
The undefeated Stevenson (18-0) is facing a fine from the New Jersey State Athletic Commission, and potentially some of the $3 million fight purse he's set to earn. Friday's event is taking place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Per Coppinger, "Top Rank is attempting to find a solution so Stevenson and Conceição can still fight in the ESPN main event."
Unified champion Shakur Stevenson weighed in at 131.6 pounds for tomorrow’s junior lightweight title bout.
The 33-year-old Conceição (17-1) will have his second title shot on Friday. In Sept. 2021 he lost by decision to Oscar Valdez, who had tested positive for a banned substance in the lead-up to the fight but was still allowed to participate.
Valdez would go on to lose to Stevenson and Conceição beat Xavier Martinez, putting Stevenson and Conceição on a collision course.
Stevenson, 25, is one of the rising stars in the sport, so missing weight Thursday and the loss of his titles is unlikely to derail his career in any significant way.
Unfortunate to see Shakur Stevenson miss weight at 130, but there’s a plethora of way more compelling matchups for him at 135 so YOLO
A fighter losing world titles on the scales is never good to see, but it's hard not to get excited by Shakur Stevenson moving up to join Devin Haney, Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia, Vasyl Lomachenko and George Kambosos Jr at lightweight.
Shakur Stevenson missed weight and gets his junior lightweight (130-pound) belts stripped ahead of tomorrow’s title defense fight. But a lot of great fights ahead at lightweight (135) for Shakur, who should soon be one of main faces of boxing. https://t.co/7ULgQAXwPd
A move to the lightweight division always seemed like the natural progression for Stevenson's career. The circumstances of that transition weren't ideal heading into Friday's fight, but he'll be one of the main draws in his new weight class if he continues on his current trajectory.
Shakur Stevenson Beats Oscar Valdez Via Decision to Unify Lightweight Titles
May 1, 2022
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 30: Shakur Stevenson laughs during his WBC and WBO junior lightweight championship fight with Oscar Valdez at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 30, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
Shakur Stevenson just may be the next big thing in boxing. The 24-year-old rising star put on a clinic against Oscar Valdez Saturday night, using powerful punches and excellent defense to score an unanimous decision victory and unify two of the junior lightweight world titles.
The judges scored the bout 118-109, 118-109, 117-110, per the ESPN broadcast.
Stevenson (18-0, 9 KOs), coming off an impressive stoppage win over Jamel Herring, again proved he has the goods to beat top-tier veterans. He established the jab early on, had great timing on counterpunches and was able to neutralize his opponent's attacks with ease.
Valdez (30-1, 23 KOs), a two-division world champion, had difficulty establishing pressure throughout the contest. There would be no controversy in the first loss of his excellent career.
Stevenson now holds the WBO and WBC world junior lightweight titles. He also won the Ring Magazine junior lightweight championship, and fittingly brought another type of ring with him to the event, as he proposed to his girlfriend following the match.
Shakur Stevenson just proposed to the mother of his daughter during his post-fight interview.
It really was the younger fighter's night all around, as he dominated his most accomplished opponent yet.
Stevenson had the bigger frame and longer reach, and used those advantages well. He consistently fired the jab, keeping Valdez from getting in close. When he really had the jab going, Stevenson was able to follow it up with smart combinations. At other times, he used it to find the range against Valdez and get his timing right for counterpunches.
Valdez is chasing Shakur around the ring but not landing much. Shakur gets him to sit still and lands a pair of body shots. Valdez fires a combination and catches air and gloves. 10-9 Stevenson (30-27 Stevenson)
Faced with that difficult jab, Valdez had to get creative. Early on, the 31-year-old Mexican wasn't moving around enough, and Stevenson had little trouble lining him up. In the third round, Valdez brought some more side to side movement, and it paid dividends. He tagged Stevenson with 15 punches, tied for the most he had absorbed in any fight to that point, per the ESPN broadcast. Some of the best punches, including a couple of good body shots, came after Valdez was able to get his front foot outside of the southpaw and fire off his power punches.
The movement and aggressive style backfired on Valdez in the sixth round. Stevenson sent an off-balance Valdez into the ropes with a right hook then tagged him again with a quick uppercut to score a knockdown. Valdez was unhappy with the call, but his swollen face and unsteady legs told a different story.
By the time of the knockdown, it was clear Stevenson had the better tactics. He was able to time Valdez's lunges and score with crisp power shots. The threat of his left hand seemed to paralyze Valdez at times, as he stayed in a defensive posture and made an easy target at midrange. Stevenson mixed up his attacks, using jabs, uppercuts and changing levels. His defense was excellent as well, pulling back from Valdez's punches and catching him off balance with counter shots.
Even though Stevenson was in control of the fight, he never did anything reckless. Valdez has proven himself to be dangerous in the later rounds; he scored an epic knockout of Miguel Berchelt in February of last year as a heavy underdog. Stevenson made sure he didn't suffer a similar fate. Valdez was able to break through from time to time with his aggression, but Stevenson had an answer for just about everything.
After the bout, Stevenson said he would like to become undisputed champion at 130 pounds. As of right now, Roger Gutierrez is the WBA champion, and Kenichi Ogawa holds the IBF belt. Either boxer would be hard-pressed to come up with an answer for Stevenson, who seems to be improving with every fight.
Shakur Stevenson vs. Oscar Valdez: Fight Odds, Live Stream, Predictions
Apr 29, 2022
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 09: Oscar Valdez (L) and Shakur Stevenson (R) pose ahead of their WBC and WBO super featherweight championship at The MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 09, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
It's a battle of undefeated champions as Shakur Stevenson (17-0, nine KOs) and Oscar Valdez (30-0, 23 KOs) are set to face off in a junior lightweight unification bout Saturday night at the Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Stevenson, the WBO world champion, is a rising star in boxing. The 24-year-old is coming off an impressive stoppage win over Jamel Herring in October. He's looking to up the ante and truly establish himself as a force with his first title defense and a win over perhaps his toughest opponent to date.
Valdez is the WBC world titleholder and a proven veteran champion. He previously held the WBO world featherweight title from 2016 to 2019, making six successful defenses. He hasn't been fighting at 130 pounds for long, but he's yet to lose and has a chance to score an upset on Saturday night.
Stevenson vs. Valdez Fight Info
When: Saturday, April 30, at 9 p.m. ET (main card start)
Where: Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
TV: ESPN (US), Sky Sports (UK)
Live stream: ESPN+
Odds: Stevenson -600 (bet $600 to win $100), Valdez +425 (bet $100 to win $425)
Stevenson has been tipped as a star for some time now thanks to his strong amateur career (2016 Olympic silver medalist at bantamweight) and succession of lopsided wins as a pro. But it's his last fight that really got people talking, as he dominated Herring en route to a 10th-round technical knockout win in Atlanta.
What was supposed to be a major test turned out to be another day at the office for Stevenson, who had previously earned lopsided victories over Jeremia Nakathila, Toka Kahn Clary and Felix Caraballo at 130 pounds. The southpaw's fast hands and powerful, accurate combinations had Herring's face badly swollen by the middle rounds. Even though Herring—who was coming off an impressive win over Carl Frampton—never hit the canvas, the stoppage did him a favor. The judges had scored the bout 90-81, 90-81, 89-82 in favor of Stevenson up to that point, per BoxRec.
The Herring bout was an impressive showcase, but Stevenson's next challenge could really set him apart.
"I feel like [my star] is skyrocketing," he said, per the Washington Post's Glynn A. Hill. "I feel like after this fight I should be making big paydays; I should be getting The Ring magazine belt, letting it be known that I'm the best fighter at 130 pounds. So, I definitely could see myself skyrocketing, but we gotta handle business first; the job's not done yet."
Even though he's a heavy favorite, Stevenson really can't underestimate Valdez. The 31-year-old Mexican has overcome every obstacle in his career and isn't far removed from his own career-best win, a stunning knockout against Miguel Berchelt in Feb. 2021. Valdez was a heavy underdog coming into that one, but proved the doubters wrong with one of the best punches of the year.
A few months after that win, Valdez tested positive for a banned central-nervous stimulant, per ESPN.com's Mike Coppinger. He was allowed to keep his title and successfully defended it with a decision win over Robson Conceicao in September. Even though Valdez wasn't quite as sharp in that contest as he was against Berchelt, he still figures to pose a threat to Stevenson.
Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, who shares a trainer with Valdez in Eddy Reynoso, believes Valdez shouldn't be counted out.
"I'm surprised about that because Oscar can do many things in the ring," Alvarez said, per BoxingScene.com's Keith Idec. Alvarez is also aware of the danger posed by the multi-faceted Stevenson, as Idec reports he's told his stablemate "you need to keep focus and win the fight, not to put on a show for the people. Because [Stevenson is] a really good, skilled fighter, moves around. So, if you go forward, he's gonna do his fight."
Fans can expect to see plenty of action at the MGM Grand. Stevenson can throw punches in bunches, but he's also a defensive wizard. Valdez will be looking to disrupt his rhythm early on and can do so with his aggression and physicality. Whichever fighter gets the first good read on the other is likely to win the fight. The other will still likely make it tough on them.
Ring Magazine's Anson Wainwright asked 20 experts and insiders to make their picks: 19 are backing Stevenson, while just one picked Valdez.
We could be in store for another surprise on Saturday night as Valdez has proved once his power translates to 130 pounds, but look for Stevenson to be the sharper fighter over 12 rounds and continue his path to superstardom.
Prediction: Stevenson by unanimous decision
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Shakur Stevenson, Oscar Valdez Agree to Title Fight; Reportedly Set for April 30
Feb 10, 2022
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 23: Shakur Stevenson is victorious as he defeats Jamel Herring for the WBO world junior lightweight championship at State Farm Arena on October 23, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
Top Rank Boxing announced Thursday that Shakur Stevenson and Oscar Valdez have signed on for a super featherweight title bout.
Top Rank tweeted a photo of both Stevenson and Valdez signing contracts for the fight:
According to Michael Benson of TalkSport, Stevenson and Valdez's manager confirmed the contracts have been signed, and the expectation is that the fight will occur April 30.
Stevenson vs. Valdez is the biggest possible fight in the super featherweight division, as both fighters are titleholders and own undefeated records.
The 24-year-old Stevenson is perhaps best known for winning a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro for Team USA.
Stevenson went pro afterward and is 17-0 with nine wins by way of knockout. His most significant win came in October when he beat Jamel Herring by 10th-round technical knockout to become the WBO super featherweight champion.
Valdez is a 31-year-old native of Mexico who has a substantial experience advantage over Stevenson, as he has been a pro since 2012. In 30 professional fights, Valdez is 30-0 with 23 of those victories coming by knockout.
He previously held the WBO featherweight title, successfully defending it six times before moving up to super featherweight.
Valdez reached the top of the super featherweight division in February 2021 when he beat Miguel Berchelt by 10th-round knockout to win the WBC super featherweight title.
Stevenson and Valdez will fight to unify the titles, and while no venue has been announced officially, Sam Gordon of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported last month that the bout is expected to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Report: Shakur Stevenson, Oscar Valdez Nearing Contract for Title Unification Fight
Jan 16, 2022
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 23: (R-L) Shakur Stevenson walks out with artist Quavo before facing Jamel Herring in their lightweight fight at State Farm Arena on October 23, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Getty Images)
Shakur Stevenson and Oscar Valdez are working toward an agreement for a fight on April 30 to unify the 130-pound title, according to ESPN's Mike Coppinger.
Stevenson earned a 10th-round TKO of Jamel Herring in his last fight to claim the WBO belt for the junior lightweight division. Valdez successfully retained the WBC super featherweight crown after winning a unanimous decision over Robson Conceicao in September.
This encounter will be a long time coming.
Stevenson called out Valdez in July, saying the Mexico native "ran from me at 126." He added his move to the 130-pound class meant they were once again back in the same division.
The war of words continued in Stevenson's post-fight interview after he defeated Herring. He had a message for Valdez (around the 2:30 mark): "Oscar can't keep ducking [me]."
Valdez responded in an interview with DAZN Espanol in November that "without a doubt Shakur Stevenson is the only one I see.
"Everywhere I go, I hear his name mentioned. For a long time Shakur has said that we are afraid of him, but he is wrong, because this is the fight we want."
Stevenson (17-0) and Valdez (30-0) would both be putting their undefeated records on the line. The latter will also be motivated to make a statement in the ring following his positive test for phentermine.
Valdez was still allowed to fight Conceicao despite the positive test. The 31-year-old denied taking the substance, but that denial and his victory didn't stop ESPN from temporarily removing him from its ranking of the junior lightweight division. Stevenson instead occupies the top spot.
Top Rank Boxing Results: Shakur Stevenson Beats Felix Caraballo by Knockout
Jun 9, 2020
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 09: In this handout image provided by Top Rank, Shakur Stevenson celebrates after defeating Felix Caraballo (not pictured) by TKO in the sixth round of their super featherweight bout at MGM Grand Conference Center Grand Ballroom on June 09, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images)
The World Boxing Organization featherweight titleholder took his talents to the lightweight division on Tuesday, where he made quick work of Felix Caraballo to push his record to 14-0 (eight knockouts), earning a technical knockout in the sixth round after a series of devastating body blows.
Stevenson joins Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Oscar De La Hoya as the only Americans since 1990 to win an Olympic medal, world title and remain undefeated as a pro through age 22.
Stevenson vs. Caraballo headlined Top Rank's return to the ring in Las Vegas this week.
Here's how the rest of the fight card played out.
Stevenson vs. Caraballo Card Results
Shakur Stevenson def. Felix Caraballo via sixth-round TKO
Jared Anderson def. Johnnie Langston via third-round TKO
Guido Vianello def. Donald Haynesworth via first-round TKO
With no fans allowed into the arena because of the coronavirus pandemic, it was easy to hear the power packed into each one of Stevenson's punches. The viciousness of Stevenson's body blows helped illuminate why the young knockout artist entered the ring a -7000 favorite (bet $7,000 to win $100), according to BetMGM (h/t Patrick Everson of Covers.com).
And with no fans in the bubble, it sounded equally painful on the @espn broadcast.
Tuesday was an evening full of knockouts, with only one of the five fights going to a judges' decision. Quatavious Cash earned a technical unanimous decision in the third round of a middleweight bout against Calvin Metcalf after an accidental head-butt opened up a cut above Metcalf's left eye. The fight had been scheduled for four rounds.
Cuban featherweight Robeisy Ramirez (3-1, 3 KO) also put on a show with his first-round TKO over Yeuri Andujar. After setting up with a few body shots, Ramirez came over the top with a flush shot to Andujar's chin that put him on the mat.
Guido Vianello, a 26-year-old Italian, earned the night's other first-round victory, stunning Donald Haynesworth to keep his knockout streak alive. Since turning pro, Vianello has won all seven of his fights via knockout with only one bout going more than two rounds.
