Shakur Stevenson wants the best that the 135-pound division has to offer. While he is fresh off a dominating victory against Artem Harutyunyan, he has already reiterated his desire to have the marquee fight that he seems to have been chasing for a while. So, who fits the bill? Is it one of the standing champions at 135? Or is it any up-and-coming, hot prospect that can quench his ambition? If you already have a name in mind, then scroll down to see whether it made the list.

‘Sugar’ put on a show before his home crowd at Prudential Center, as he exhibited his superior defense and swift movement. However, it didn’t turn out to be exactly an exciting performance that the fans wanted to witness. While Stevenson made his first successful defense at 135, it also stamped his doubters’ criticism of him being a not-so-fan-friendly fighter and tough to market. The American fighter needs a name that can go to war against him and allow him to showcase the best version of himself. And you don’t have to look beyond the biggest name at 135 in Gervonta Davis.

Shakur Stevenson vs. Gervonta Davis: high payout, clash of brutal force and technical prowess

What does Stevenson, 25, need right now? An opponent that brings the fight to him and possesses an explosive arsenal. What’s more? Davis, 29, more than qualifies. ‘Tank’ has swayed the fans with his thunderous knockout power and has a long list of followers, which will also bring traction to their fight. In addition, the two have been at each other’s throats for quite some time, so the hype and demand for a fight are already there.

And you would love to see a showdown of contrasting fighting styles, where the WBC champion’s technical skills and his fast pair of hands, along with accurate punching ability, might frustrate and triumph over Davis’ in-ring IQ and thunderous power. However, Stevenson also runs the risk of getting ripped apart by the Baltimore native. Will he be able to put on a masterclass of hitting and simultaneously avoid getting hit, as he has done in his previous fights?

Undoubtedly, the hypothetical fight will attract eyeballs and promoters won’t shy away from investing money in it. The fight has all the ingredients of a PPV blockbuster, where both boxers will pose the biggest threat to each other to date. Stevenson will have the chance to add another gold strap to his waist, and a heavy paycheck is also guaranteed. But is it worth the risk this early in his career? What if the Newark native first tests the waters and goes against a fighter with a similar style?

Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda: Cementing grip on the WBC title

William Zepeda is every fighter’s nightmare. He is a relentless pressure fighter, who brings aggression into the ring and is currently hovering near the top to get his title shot. With another comprehensive beatdown and stoppage of Giovanni Cabrera within 3 rounds, the Mexican fighter is rearing to go for the kill. You can label him one of the most exciting fighters in the boxing world today, and no one would contest your claim. So, it again becomes a tussle between a super-skilled boxer and a violent, aggressive fighter, but with lower risks for Stevenson.

They say styles make matches and it will be an entertaining fight for the fans. While Stevenson prefers a pull-back approach, Zepeda likes to go after his foe and outbox him. The fight promises fireworks and fast-paced action. What makes the bout interesting is that the 28-year-old fighter has never faced a competitor that matches Stevenson’s skill set. Conversely, the champion has also not gone toe-to-toe with anyone who boasts of Zepeda’s strength and carries a similar zeal and determination.

Despite the fight being billed as a mouth-watering battle, there will be doubts in Stevenson’s mind about whether Zepeda is a name big enough to brush aside. Will he get enough credit for defeating ‘Camaron’? Maybe that’s the reason Stevenson didn’t pay heed when Oscar De La Hoya offered Zepeda to him. And there is a good enough reason for that. Stevenson might have a name that fits his grand vision.

Vasyl Lomachenko: Slaying a future HOF and walking the unification path

The fans were amused when Stevenson donned a t-shirt with a message that read, “Bob is saving is son from his a**-whooping.” The son the former super featherweight champion was referring to was Vasyl Lomachenko, with a picture of the latter on his t-shirt’s front. Stevenson has been calling out the Ukrainian champion, who recently returned to the top of the 135-pound division’s hierarchy as he bagged the IBF title.

It could be a fight where Stevenson finally lays Lomachenko’s career to rest and completes the transition at 135. Compared to other fighters on the list, it’s the easiest fight to make as ‘The Matrix’ fights under the Top Rank banner. While the 22-0 record holder has now embraced his free-agent tag, Bob Arum will be keen to bring back him into the fold. Will a fight with Lomachenko be the luring trick? It possibly could be. You can’t dismiss the possibility of Stevenson opting for a different route altogether, as it’s only a matter of time before he bursts on the screen. Floyd Mayweather did the same, didn’t he?

What do you make of Shakur Stevenson’s victory against Artem Harutyunyan? Who do you think he should fight next? Let us know in the comments below.