Shakur Stevenson is gearing himself to present to the world the best version of himself. As he does that, he also has requested the WBO to outline a mandatory fight against Devin Haney. If the WBO does agree to mandate such a fight, then Haney would be forced to put his two belts (WBC and the WBO) on the line. That is if he chooses to stay at 135 and fight Shakur. This would be a golden opportunity for Shakur Stevenson. If Haney leaves his titles at 135 vacant, Stevenson has an easier path. This will push him into his ‘prime’ fighting days.
Haney is most likely to resist the mandate and instead go up to 140 and fight Regis Prograis. He currently holds the lightweight title in both WBO and WBC and if he does go up the weight to fight Prograis at 140, he will forfeit those titles. He will in fact be giving up his four lightweight titles, and paving a smooth transition for ‘Sugar’ to fight potential opponents for the vacant belts. Stevenson has been going all out to move up the ladders to dominate the lightweight division. He has been training rigorously and has a clear vision of success.
Onto his prime days, Shakur Stevenson receives validation
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One of the most seasoned fighters professional boxing has to offer today, ‘Sugar’ holds a stellar unbeaten record. At 26, he is a two-division world champion and has also held the WBO featherweight title, and WBO and WBC unified junior lightweight championship. Amidst criticism, Stevenson has remained resilient and has risen through the ranks by adding win after win to his boxing record. But he still has something to prove.
Also Read: Shakur Stevenson Ready to “Strap” Up After the WBC Makes a Major Announcement
In a tweet, Shakur Stevenson said that he getting sharper, stronger and is concentrating on becoming a better fighter. He continued to say that he thinks he is finally ready to embrace his ‘Prime Years’.
“Getting sharper stronger and overall just becoming a better fighter. Feeling ready for my prime years!” Stevenson said.
His admirers have acknowledged the work he has put in to reach where he is today.
The Tories Out says that Shakur is unstoppable and is a valid contender to attain the pound-for-pound number 1 title.
When you hit the prime years, you are going to be extremely lethal. I thought you were unstoppable now. Scary shizzle, you getting better. P4P number 1 incoming, all about when. 🔥🔥
— The Tories Out (@TheToriesOut) July 20, 2023
Another user, Lindile Xhalisa has already given Shakur the number one position.
Shakur you are second to none. Nja yam.
— Lindile Xhalisa (@LindileXhalisa) July 20, 2023
Jonas Concepcion believes that as ‘Sugar’ ages to enter his late 20s, he will be responsible for the majority of his opponents’ losses.
Wait until you get your old man strength… the bodies will be dropping none stop. 💪🏽
— Jonas Concepcion (@jonascon13) July 20, 2023
Building on the conjecture that Shakur has challenged Haney to a fight, being well aware that the latter wants to fight Prograis, Bomber Max asked him to take up fights that would actually take place.
Bro you gotta fight tho. Prime don't matter when you get nobody to fight with
— Bomber Max (@BomberMax1) July 20, 2023
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Combat Central is completely in awe of Shakur. They further believe that the fighter is already in his prime.
Getting ready for your prime years? If everything prior to that wasn't, the boxing world better strap in for All-Time greatness 👑🔪 pic.twitter.com/VYtBc99dsd
— Combat Central (@combatcentral8) July 20, 2023
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It seems like Haney will not be giving Shakur the fight that he wants. However, Haney is dead set to conquer the lightweight division. Nonetheless. will Stevenson succumb to the ongoing trends of picking easy fights or will he go head-to-head against the toughest fighters to secure the titles? Let us know your most memorable Shakur moments in the comments section below.
Watch This Story: Everything you need to know about ongoing Devin Haney vs. Shakur Stevenson negotiations