What’s Next For Shakur Stevenson?
Shakur Stevenson defeated Josh Padley in a defense of his WBC Lightweight Title, raising question marks over his next steps.
Shakur made a successful start with Matchroom Boxing as he was making his debut. It was a long time coming after he saw three fights fall through previously. He was meant to fight Joe Cordina, William Zepeda and Floyd Schofield. But all three fights failed because of their various problems. Shakur’s victory means he is looking to secure the biggest fights. His primary target is Gervonta Davis. Tank defends his WBA Lightweight Title against Lamont Roach Jr. on March 1. A victory Tank sets up a unification with Shakur if all sides can agree.
“It feels good. I put on a good performance, and there are levels. It was difficult because of the movement, and he had good little counters and shots that he was throwing. But like I said, there’s levels to this. I appreciate him for stepping up, being courageous, and fighting me. [And] I want to fight Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis. I think that’s the biggest fight in boxing. So, let’s make it happen,” Stevenson said
If the Davis fight falls through, Shakur could target a fight with his mandatory William Zepeda. Zepeda pulled out initially after suffering a hand injury. He is a knockout artist with a 30-0 record, making him one of the most dangerous boxers in the division. Oscar De La Hoya has previously said that he does not believe Shakur can win. Shakur showed in his fight against Edwin De La Santos that he fights on the back foot when a fighter is trying to press the action.
Options
But if Shakur has no mandatory obligations, he will likely target other big fights. His deal with Matchroom Boxing means that there are more opportunities. He could target a fight with Devin Haney. Haney will fight Jose Ramirez in May. Devin was linked to the fight with Shakur during their time at 135 pounds. Haney reportedly made a 25% split offer to Shakur, who was unhappy with the amount. Haney eventually ended up moving up to 140 pounds and vacated his undisputed title at 135.
Alternatively, there is an outside chance of a fight with Keyshawn Davis. The pair are very close friends, as they initially ruled out a fight. But since then, Shakur has said he could be open to that bout, provided an offer is made. Keyshawn has openly said to send a contract. That would be one of the biggest fights in the sport and would serve as a unification following Keyshawn’s victory over Denys Berinchyk in his last fight to win the WBO Lightweight Belt. Shakur has plenty of options moving forward.
Full Card
Dmitry Bivol defeated Artur Beterbiev by majority decision (12 rounds) to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion (WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, Ring Magazine).
Joseph Parker knocked out Martin Bakole in round 2 (12-round fight) to keep his WBO interim heavyweight title.
Shakur Stevenson stopped Josh Padley in round 9 to retain his WBC lightweight title.
Carlos Adames and Hamzah Sheeraz fought to a split draw (12 rounds), so Adames kept his WBC middleweight title.
Vergil Ortiz beat Israil Madrimov by unanimous decision (12 rounds) to keep his WBC interim super welterweight title.
Agit Kabayel stopped Zhilei Zhang in round 6 to win the vacant WBC interim heavyweight title.
Callum Smith defeated Joshua Buatsi by unanimous decision (12 rounds) to win the WBO interim light heavyweight title.
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