The featherweight division isn’t filled with many big names, but one that keeps popping up and bringing a new level of excitement is Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (12-0, 8 KOs). Carrington, from Brooklyn, NY, is ready to keep taking “Shu-York City” to new heights, and that looks to continue with his fight on September 27 against Sulaiman Segawa (17-4-1, 6 KOs) on ESPN. As Carrington keeps winning, both he and his supporters are pushing for a title shot, and his momentum is adding pressure on the sanctioning bodies to give him that opportunity soon.
In June, Carrington stopped Brayan De Gracia (29-4-1, 25 KOs) in eight rounds at the Theater inside Madison Square Garden on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. According to a press release from Top Rank three days before the fight, De Gracia was a last-minute replacement—however, according to Carrington, Top Rank called De Gracia five weeks before the fight telling him to get ready. The visa issues that Jose Enrique Vivas was having were identified early enough for Top Rank to have a backup in case he couldn’t make the fight—which is what ended up happening.
Carrington didn’t look sharp early as he had for other fights, so did the uncertainty of his opponent throw him off in the fight? When asked, Carrington had this to say on the matter:
“I would say I had less preparation to [the point] where it may have played a part in me adjusting a little later. But at the same time, I was strategically trying to weather the storm because I know that dude didn’t have as much time to prepare [as I did]. Watching a bunch of his fights, I know he comes out blazing. He likes to throw a lot of shots but then slows down.” The fight played out precisely in that manner.
As we know, as performances improve, so do the expectations to keep replicating them. Carrington understands this more than most and fully accepts that it comes with the territory. His profile outside of the ring is now starting to be noticed by guys like Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks Point Guard) and Stephen Jackson (All the Smoke Podcast/Retired NBA Player).
Being noticed outside of NY has come as a surprise for Carrington but he is enjoying every minute of it: “There are so many famous people who know who I am,” Carrington said. “It’s kinda crazy (laughs). I went to Bud’s [Terence Crawford’s] fight, and the amount of people that grabbed me left and right for pictures was unexpected. I’m from NY, so I wasn’t expecting all of that [in LA]. It made me want to fight out there one day.”
With all of his newfound fame, of course, expectations will be higher. Carrington has entered a phase in his career where he is trying to provide entertainment to fans without comprising himself. As he continues to work his way up, Carrington believes the time is now for a shot at the title, and he will be ready when it comes:
“I feel like I’ve been ready [for a title shot],” said Carrington. “Before, I was more focused on being a technical fighter, but felt that it wasn’t being appreciated as much. When I fought Jason Sanchez, that’s when I wanted to show everyone who I am. I understand what people value. I get it. So I said, ‘Let me give the people what they want,’ and that’s what I’ve been doing. Showing pure dominance and not letting my foot off the gas. There is a reason why Naoya Inoue came to see my fight.”
On September 27, Carrington will face Segawa, who is ready to give Brooklyn’s own Carrington all he can handle. But as he approaches the doorstep of his lifelong dream of becoming a world champion, Carrington is oozing with confidence: “This type of fight reminds me of the fight I had with Jason Sanchez, as he’s fought some guys and went the distance with them. I’m going to set myself apart in this fight. I’m levels ahead of a lot of these guys. I plan to make this fight as easy as possible.”
When asked what fans leaving the arena will say that night after seeing him perform Carrington replied: “Shu Shu will become a world champion in a few months. They will also be saying, “Shu York City!”
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