Shakur Stevenson Demands Respect: Seeks to Reign in Boxing Against Top Rivals

Shakur Stevenson: In Search of Respect and the Crown

Shakur Stevenson has pursued one goal throughout his career: respect. Since his beginnings in Newark, New Jersey, Stevenson has fought to earn the recognition of his family, fans, and, above all, his colleagues in boxing. About five years ago, boxing hailed Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, Gervonta “Tank” Davis, and Teofimo Lopez Jr. as the “Four Kings” of the new era, successors to the legendary 80s quartet composed of Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Roberto Durán, and Thomas Hearns. However, despite his outstanding amateur career, which included a silver medal at the 2016 Olympic Games, and his skill in the ring, Stevenson was not included in this new select group. Perhaps it is appropriate to compare Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) to Wilfred Benítez, the “fifth king” not crowned of the 70s and 80s, known for his exceptional defense and victories, but Stevenson does not seek comparisons. His goal is clear: to dethrone those who stand in his way and claim his place as the king of his generation.

“I felt disrespected at that moment,” Stevenson stated, as he prepares to face Lopez, WBO super lightweight champion, at Madison Square Garden in New York. “Even though I wasn’t in the same weight class as them, we were close enough to fight. I was achieving incredible things, and I felt I was better than all those guys. I still feel that way. But I used it as motivation.”
Shakur Stevenson

Despite this feeling, Stevenson continued to advance, conquering world titles in three weight categories and proving to be as successful, if not more so, than his contemporaries. However, despite his achievements and his position as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers, he feels ignored and underestimated. At 28 years old, Stevenson still struggles for respect. Tired of the criticism about his “boring” style and the refusal of some rivals to face him, Stevenson is ready to speak up and prove his worth, even if that means taking risks.

“I no longer let that bother me,” Stevenson stated. “I just keep going and train hard. They’ve had no choice but to accept me. And after I win this fight, they’ll have no choice but to accept and respect me.”
Shakur Stevenson

Skakur Stevenson's grandfather, Wali Moses, back, is one of the key trainers in Stevenson's corner. — Skakur Stevenson’s grandfather, Wali Moses, back, is one of the key trainers in Stevenson’s corner.

Trained by his grandfather, Wali Moses, Stevenson’s boxing career began in his childhood. With an elite defense, adaptability, and remarkable boxing intelligence, his outstanding amateur career culminated in 2016. His transition to professional boxing has been impeccable, with an unblemished record and a championship in three divisions, making him one of the most skilled boxers of the moment. The main criticism towards Stevenson is his style, considered by some as “boring”. Many fans have criticized his lack of risk in the ring. However, Stevenson has listened to the criticisms and has made adjustments. In his fight against William Zepeda, he demonstrated his ability to fight and entertain. His opponent on Saturday, Teofimo López, is known for his showmanship, both inside and outside the ring. López, who calls himself “The Takeover,” has gone viral with his spectacular knockouts. The combination of his personality and fighting style makes him one of the most exciting boxers.

“Success is about entertainment,” said Lopez. “We’ve seen in the past how Shakur fought at the Prudential Center in front of his local fans and those people left his fights early because of his skill set. I think he has a lot of pressure to entertain, so maybe we’re going to see something different from him [against me]. But from what I’ve seen, he’s not that exciting.”
Teofimo Lopez

This situation has led to him being labeled with an adjective that no boxer wants: “boring”. Stevenson has responded to the critics, as seen in his fight against Jamel Herring, where he showed a more offensive style.

“I wanted a fun fight: to show my skills, my boxing, my power. I wanted to show it all tonight,” Stevenson said after defeating Herring. “I want to be a superstar in the sport; I’m here to stay.”
Shakur Stevenson

Shakur Stevenson, left, dominated William Zepeda in a unanimous decision victory on July 12.

Stevenson has also modified his approach to get important fights. After becoming a free agent, he signed with Matchroom Boxing. Now he seeks to be in control to secure the fights he wants.

“I think the main thing now, as I get older and understand the business, is that I have to brand myself the right way,” Stevenson said. “And that’s something I’m really going to focus on, where I can be a superstar and not even have to worry about how they want to make these fights. At the negotiating table, I want to have some influence to get the fights I really want and that no one can say anything to stop me.”
Shakur Stevenson

In his most recent fight against Zepeda, Stevenson agreed to be the co-main event, despite disagreeing. He accepted the challenge and proved his worth.

“If you call me Jerry, then I’m going to beat up Tom,” Stevenson said. “That’s what I’m here for, so Tom and Jerry, Jerry’s surely going to beat up Tom.”
Shakur Stevenson

Stevenson’s performance was praised, which showed that he should not be the co-main event again. Upon seeing Terence Crawford defeat Canelo Álvarez, Stevenson realized his aspirations could be even greater. Crawford showed him that skill can make up for the size difference.

“[Crawford beating Canelo] told me a lot and confirmed what I already thought,” Stevenson said. “These people tell you that size wins fights, but you realize that skills really win fights. It wasn’t Bud’s size that beat Canelo. It was how good he was at his craft: understanding when to box and when to step on the gas. It showed me that I can do it too because I know how great I am.”
Shakur Stevenson

For his fight with López, Stevenson will compete at 140 pounds, his highest weight yet. If he defeats López, he could move up to the welterweight division, where other “Kings” compete. Stevenson has been asking for years to fight the biggest names in boxing. Now he is willing to take disadvantages to prove he is better than all of them.

“I still want those guys,” Stevenson said. “I’m clearly not a 147-pound fighter, but I know there are guys I think I can beat who fight at 154 pounds. I don’t plan on going to 147 pounds or 154 pounds, but I plan on doing what I have to do in whatever weight class I end up in.”
Shakur Stevenson

Shakur Stevenson no longer asks for respect, he demands it. And if they don’t give it to him, he will obtain it in the ring, his sanctuary, where each fight is a sermon about his greatness.