It’s Shakur time!! The world champion will be back in the ring on February 22. In Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, he will face the ‘new kid on the block,’ Floyd Schofield. Be it fans or pundits, most don’t seem to give Schofield much of a chance. But Shakur Stevenson isn’t taking any chances. He can’t permit overconfidence to ruin the day. The ramifications of a loss might prove costly for the Newark-born champion.

The much-sought-after and much-needed Gervonta Davis fight may have received a new lease on life. After Stevenson’s act, the Baltimorean will follow with his own title defense. Last year, it appeared the two were getting close to a fight only for the prospect to fizzle out later. Davis’ retirement plans may have dimmed further possibilities. However, it may not be all over. Despite the differences with Davis, HE Turki Alalshikh hopes he joins Stevenson for a dance. So, with so many things turning up for good, it irks Shakur Stevenson when people still question his legacy.

Shakur Stevenson: It doesn’t even cross my mind

The Ring Magazine shared an excerpt of Stevenson’s recent interview with DAZN. Slamming all the skeptics, the WBC lightweight champion reportedly said, “It’s been a rocky couple of months. Um, it just seemed like a lot of people just, uh, counted me out. They, um, talk bad about me. Um, they act like I’m not this person that I’ve been my whole life, so, uh, f**k them.”

Just a day ago, rising prospect Ashton Sylvie suggested that Shakur Stevenson might be ‘overrated.’ “If anything, I’d probably say over just because the competition and how… I guess at the top he hasn’t really fought much, like Floyd Schofield. He’s fighting next, so I’d say overrated,” he said during an interview with Jeremy Fiorentino.

Even though a lot of people said things that stuck with him, Shakur Stevenson later emphasized that the opinions of his loved ones are what hold real importance in his life. He might very well be on to his own version of Mayweather-Pacquiao, so he need not pay much attention to what’s being said about his resume.

Another big showdown around the corner?

If the Riyadh season head zeroes in on a fight, then he ensures to get it through. That’s what happened with the Canelo-Crawford fight. So fans can keep their fingers crossed. Speaking with ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, HE Alalshikh said, “I hope one day seeing Shakur against Tank one day.”

The duo were discussing at length the developments that occurred during the last few days and the upcoming February 22 card headlined by the Artur Beterbiev–Dmitry Bivol rematch. When Coppinger checked whether he was extending an ‘invitation’ to ‘Tank’ Davis, the Riyadh Season head clarified, “I don’t take anything as a personal. I take it as a I am a professional; I don’t need to like you to talk with you.” Though he acknowledged the Baltimorean’s ring prowess, HE Alalshikh nevertheless stressed that he has to step up and participate in bigger fights, something even Mike Coppinger couldn’t disagree with.

Gervonta Davis had shared that before he hangs up the gloves, he would like to do away with a few more fights. Perhaps a Shakur Stevenson fight could be on the schedule. Not long ago, he mentioned Stevenson’s name to his hit list after all.

Do you think it’s high time both Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson agreed to a title unification clash?