Prediction.

Both are technically great, have lot of skill and ring IQ, are predominantly boxers at long range, but can both fight at mid and close range. Herring is very big at 130, he is definitely stronger than Stevenson, has a big reach advantage which he does a great job of utilising, but Stevenson is a lot faster, and has better reflexes. Stevenson is the favourite because he's unbeaten, has been impressive throughout his career so far, Herring hasn't, but he has improved a lot, is old, but lives the life, hasn't taken much damage, and is aging very slowly. Stance favours Stevenson, he fought a southpaw more recently, and has a much better record with southpaws, Herring has lost 2 of his last 10 fights, both were against southpaws, the rest weren't, there were likely other reasons, he's definitely improved since then, but Stevenson's stance could make him the wrong opponent for Herring. Both fighters are well schooled, Stevenson was a better amateur, but Herring is more experienced overall. Both fighters have great timing, are counter punchers, both have great footwork, but Herring's control of the distance is better than Stevenson's, he's a more strategic fighter, is more tactically disciplined based on recent fights, Stevenson was too hesitant to get off first in his last fight, tried too hard to be a counter puncher, against an opponent who wasn't engaging, and his performance suffered. I think Herring is closer to his prime than Stevenson.

I think Stevenson will start faster, will be busier in the early rounds, Herring will have good defensive reactions, but will struggle with Stevenson's speed and stance, Stevenson will throw combinations, work his way into range, offset Herring with feints, but Herring will get Stevenson's respect when he lands a counter on the inside, and the fight will be closer in the mid rounds, Herring will be busier and more accurate with his jab, and Stevenson will struggle to get into range to let his shots go, Herring will cut off the ring, will have success when Stevenson is on the ropes, but he won't be able to keep Stevenson on the ropes for a sustained period, and Stevenson will box well on the back foot. I think the late rounds will be close, Herring will take more risks, will be prepared to miss more shots, but will still be selective with his shots, Stevenson's movement will have slowed down, and Stevenson will have to fight in the pocket more often, but will keep throwing combinations and moving off, and Herring will take more out of himself than Stevenson in the late rounds.

My prediction is Stevenson by UD, in a competitive, fairly close fight, I wouldn't be surprised if Herring won, he's good enough that his size advantage could be the difference, I'd be surprised if this wasn't Stevenson's most difficult fight so far. Stevenson has the speed and skill to narrowly outbox Herring, the stance aspect definitely favours him, but this is a good chin test, and is a good test for him mentally and tactically, because he can't afford to have the wrong game plan against Herring.

Phenomenal performance from Stevenson! I expected Herring to give him problems, and he beat him easily. Stevenson's footwork was important, he took centre ring, stepped in with his jab, negated Herring's reach and neutralised his size, he cut Herring off with his front foot, stopped him moving to his left, which took a lot away from Herring's game plan. Stevenson was mentally balanced, took necessary risks, was aggressive, but his defence was great in the pocket, and when the stronger fighter took more risks himself, Stevenson fought comfortably off the back foot and still did all the damage, and he out fought Herring on the inside.