Shakur Stevenson

The Start of Greatness

 

Shakur Stevenson, born on June 28, 1997, in Newark, New Jersey, was introduced to boxing at a young age by his grandfather. Growing up in a tough neighborhood, Stevenson found solace and purpose in the discipline of boxing. His grandfather recognized his natural talent and encouraged him to pursue the sport seriously.

 

From the moment he laced up his gloves, Stevenson displayed exceptional skill and determination. Training tirelessly at the Boys and Girls Club of Newark, he quickly stood out among his peers, showcasing remarkable speed, agility, and ring intelligence. Under the guidance of his grandfather and trainer, Wali Moses, Stevenson honed his craft and developed a deep passion for the sweet science.

 

As Stevenson’s talent became more evident, he began competing in amateur tournaments, earning recognition as one of the brightest young prospects in the sport. His success in the amateur ranks was fueled by his unwavering dedication and work ethic, as he traveled across the country, facing top opponents and honing his skills in the ring.

 

Stevenson’s introduction to the world of boxing marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. With his natural talent, determination, and relentless drive to succeed, he emerged as a rising star in the sport, destined for greatness on the professional stage.

 

Amateur Career

 

Shakur Stevenson’s journey through the amateur ranks was marked by remarkable achievements and victories. Under the guidance of his trainers at the Alexandria Boxing Club, Stevenson honed his skills and quickly made a name for himself in the boxing world. His success at the youth level was particularly notable, as he emerged victorious at the 2014 AIBA Youth World Championships and the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics, showcasing his talent and potential on the international stage.

 

In 2015, at just 18 years old, Stevenson continued his ascent in the boxing world by clinching victory at the Senior U.S. Olympic Trials. This impressive win secured his spot on the U.S. boxing team for the highly anticipated 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Representing his country on the world stage, Stevenson showcased his exceptional skill and determination as he battled against elite competition from across the globe.

 

Despite facing fierce opponents in Rio, Stevenson’s talent shone through as he advanced to the gold medal match in the bantamweight division. In a hard-fought bout, Stevenson ultimately secured a silver medal, narrowly missing out on the top prize. His performance earned him the distinction of being the highest-medaling male boxer for the United States at the 2016 Olympics, alongside Claressa Shields, who claimed gold for the U.S. women’s team. Stevenson’s achievements at the Olympics solidified his reputation as one of the most promising young boxers in the sport, setting the stage for a successful transition to the professional ranks.

 

Going the Distance

 

Shakur Stevenson’s professional boxing career has been marked by a series of impressive victories, as he has quickly risen through the ranks to establish himself as one of the sport’s most promising talents. Since making his debut in April 2017, Stevenson has showcased his exceptional skill set and ring savvy, captivating audiences with his speed, precision, and defensive prowess.

 

One of Stevenson’s notable early bouts came in October 2019 when he faced off against Joet Gonzalez for the vacant WBO featherweight title. The highly anticipated showdown carried added intrigue as Gonzalez was Stevenson’s former sparring partner and the brother of Stevenson’s then-girlfriend. Despite the personal dynamics at play, Stevenson remained focused and delivered a dominant performance, outclassing Gonzalez to claim the title via unanimous decision.

 

In June 2020, Stevenson made his first defense of the WBO featherweight title against Felix Caraballo in a non-title bout. Stevenson’s superior boxing skills were on full display as he overwhelmed Caraballo with his speed and accuracy, ultimately securing a sixth-round TKO victory.

 

Stevenson’s quest for greatness continued as he moved up in weight to the super featherweight division. In October 2021, he faced Jamel Herring for the WBO super featherweight title. Stevenson delivered a masterful performance, showcasing his technical brilliance and boxing IQ to outclass Herring and claim the title with a dominant unanimous decision victory.

 

As of November 2023, Stevenson continues to be ranked among the world’s top lightweights by esteemed boxing authorities such as the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, BoxRec, ESPN, and The Ring magazine. His impressive record, combined with his unwavering dedication and determination, solidifies his position as a standout talent in the highly competitive world of professional boxing. With each electrifying performance, Stevenson further cements his legacy as one of the sport’s brightest stars, leaving an indelible mark on the boxing landscape for years to come.

 

Notable Quotes:

 

“I’m the best boxer on the planet remember I told u”

 

“I look at it like when I spar in the gym, there will be a lot of people in the gym. I feel like it’s going to be a little sparring match. Marriaga is tough. He’s going to bring the fight, and it’s going to be a good fight.”

 

“And I want to be a lot more offensive. I want to go out there and get these guys out of there. And especially with nobody being there, I ain’t getting paid for overtime.”