Florissant boxer gets ‘big shot’ on ESPN

st. Charles, Missouri – The Stephen ‘Big Shot’ show is set to make Saturday night his coming out party.

The 18-0 professional heavyweight boxer from Florissant will headline the ESPN card for Top Rank Boxing on Saturday night at Turning Stone Resort and Casino.

“This is my big moment,” Shaw said. “I’m ready to take a shot and seize the moment.”

The show will take on 16-1 slugger Efe Ajagba and the ring walk will take place around 11pm.

“There are a lot of gaps in his armor,” Shaw said. “I feel I can take advantage of it.”

Shaw turned pro nine years ago and has since scored 13 knockouts in 18 professional fights. He stayed out of the sport from the age of 13 until he was 18, but has remained undefeated since returning and turning professional.

“I feel like this is his destiny,” said Brian Shaw, Stephan’s father and assistant trainer. “This is an opportunity for him to showcase his skills and he intends to draw attention to the heavyweight division.”

Boxing is a Shaw family tradition. Stefan is a third-generation boxer whose father fought in the amateur ranks, and his grandfather, Winston ‘Buddy’ Shaw, had been training his Spinks with former world champion Corey for some time.

“I love my grandfather very much,” said Stefan. “He’s the patriarch of our family, especially when it comes to boxing.”

Winston cheers for his grandson while watching Saturday night’s game from his living room in Spanish Lake.

“I don’t brag much about him, but he’s really great inside,” said Winston.

Winston recently turned 81 and has Parkinson’s disease, but that doesn’t stop us from watching Stephen try to make history.

“I think this is the fight that will bring him to the top,” Winston said.

If Stefan wins Saturday night, he’s 19-0 and will be one step closer to a title, following in the footsteps of other great St. Louis heavyweights like Sonny Liston and Leon Spinks.

“Saturday night looks like a triumphant night for the Stefan ‘Big Shot’ show,” said Stefan. “I definitely want to put my hands up. You might see tears rolling down my face.”