There are few times when fans can put Shakur Stevenson in the showstopper category. He is not Gervonta Davis. He is also not Canelo Alvarez. But he is a skilled operator who always seems to have adopted a defense-first approach. That means, apart from purists, no one ever waited in long queues to buy tickets for him. However, even they have retracted their support, given the New Jersey native’s lackluster performances. So, it seems the test gets tougher.

Stevenson, 27, has decried about the lack of competitors and other A-listers avoiding him. If you look at his recent fights, lackluster is the one word to describe it; dismal could be another, and the fans booing him during fights has become a common theme.

In such a scenario, the February 22 fight with Floyd Schofield could be a double-edged sword. Win it comprehensively, and the WBC champion solidifies his position. Fumble it, and it pushes him down the pound-for-pound list.

Ade Oladipo raised similar concerns when he talked about the coming Stevenson vs. Schofield. Shedding light on the recent fight record of Stevenson, at 22-0, he pressed how the latter was in a dire position to prove himself. He said, “I still think he’s [Shakur Stevenson] a powerful pound-for-pounder. He has to prove it. Here is this young upstart who’s not on his level, that’s called him out.”

The London resident then explained how Schofield, 22, pushed the fight through despite reservations from the champion and Oscar De La Hoya himself. Detailing the gulf of skills between the two and stressing the stakes for both fighters, he continued, “Shakur Stevenson should be levels above Floyd Schofield. Like Shakur Stevenson should show why he is considered top 10 pound-for-pound.”

Therefore, according to Oladipo, Stevenson is at a crossroads to justify the surrounding hype. Meanwhile, he has also raised a direct question about Schofield’s boxing prowess. ‘Kid Austin’ is still in the early days of his pro career. Despite his crushing start, he still has to make ground to come to the lightweight champion’s level. Can he do it?

Floyd Schofield’s brimming confidence against Shakur Stevenson

Schofield, at 18-0, turned to his X handle and shared the famous trash-talking clip of Muhammad Ali before the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ fight with George Foreman. He is also trying to find the same charisma and confidence. He wrote, “We are going to shock the World… and the NEE 😊💪🏽.”

It is an uphill task for the challenger, who only started his professional career four years ago. But he is also the perfect opponent for Stevenson, as he is the typical aggressive fighter with a fan-friendly style. The Jersey City native has boasted of an impressive amateur record of 180-20, on which he built a solid pro career.

However, he lacks the experience and strong fundamental basis that Stevenson has. In addition, the lightweight champion could pick him apart if he becomes too reckless. So, it remains to be seen how the fight pans out on the fateful night.

What do you make of these comments by Ade Oladipo about Shakur Stevenson? Do you agree with him? Let us know in the comments below.