The year looked promising for Shakur Stevenson who was preparing to face Floyd Schofield Jr. in Saudi Arabia. After a couple of disappointing performances against Artem Harutyunyan, this was supposed to be his chance to win back some fame. However, things took an unexpected turn as Schofield was hospitalized and unable to compete. Due to Schofield being unable to fight for now, British boxer Josh Padley has stepped in as a late replacement. And amid all this, the 27-year-old has come up with a new revelation.

Though this does pour water all over the WBC lightweight champion’s plans for the fight, he will still be getting out with a net profit if he manages to achieve a resounding victory in the upcoming fight. Outside the ring, the young boxer has several endorsement deals like PRIME, he also promotes a tequila brand called ‘Pātsch Tequila.’ Interestingly, he even managed to ink a deal with Reebok back in 2023. It does make one question, how did Stevenson manage to land himself such a deal?

Well, the answer is none other than the Big Aristotle, the NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal! Recently, Shakur Stevenson appeared on legendary boxer Andre Ward’s ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT where he discussed the Reebok deal. He explained, “At first, I thought it was capped.” His cousin initially mentioned it, but details were scarce. Then, Stevenson got on a call with Reebok. “It was like five, six people on the phone call,” he recalled. That’s when he knew it was real. “I appreciate Reebok because they really been showing me love,” Stevenson said. He acknowledged their support.

Most importantly, Stevenson credited Shaq, “I got to say I appreciate Shaq because he told me he was the one who really made that call for me.” He expressed his gratitude towards the 52-year-old retired athlete stating, “I appreciate Shaq, I appreciate Reebok, and I appreciate everything they do for me.”

Back in November 2023 when this deal was signed, it was highlighted that a custom mid-cut boot with the boxer’s “SS” initials embroidered on it would be present. Additionally, he will be sporting the fight-exclusive colorway once he steps into the ring. Expressing his happiness on bagging this deal, the two-division world champion said, “I think we’re great for each other. They believe in me the same way I believe in myself, and I think that with them behind me, we’re going to be unstoppable. I’m going to lift up the brand and bring the brand a lot of eyes from the sport. It’s going to be an amazing partnership.”

And quite a partnership it has been! Just look at the “Move Like Shakur” collection. Also, the support the Southpaw’s burgeoning career has had from the President of Reebok Basketball is also not unknown. Once his partnership with the billion-dollar brand was made official, Shaq posted an edited picture on Instagram with his face on it taking a punch from Steveson on the ring with the caption: “Another knockout signing.”

This partnership links a rising boxing star with a legendary basketball icon. It’s a powerful combination. In the meantime, Stevenson’s team also fired back against the allegations made by Floyd Schofield Sr.

Schofield Sr. takes back his poisoning claims, Team Shakur Stevenson fires back

Floyd Schofield’s withdrawal from his WBC lightweight title shot against Shakur Stevenson shocked the boxing world. After 18 straight wins, the former pulled out just days before the fight. His father, who was understandably emotional, claimed ‘Sugar’s team might have “poisoned” him. On the other hand, Stevenson’s team denies any involvement.

Stevenson’s strength and conditioning coach, Torae Stevenson quickly dismissed the poisoning claims. “I don’t know what they got going on, but we didn’t even bring no massage lady out here… We ain’t got no one on the team giving massages,” he stated. Furthermore, he even suggested Schofield got “cold feet.” “The food poison is cap. I don’t think they got no food poisoning. Them n**** got cold feet,” he added.

As Schofield Sr. got time to think the situation through following the incident, he quickly apologized to Stevenson. “We do not believe you played a part in this,” he said. He expressed respect for Stevenson and wished him well. It appears that Schofield Jr. is reportedly recovering, but his return to the ring is still out of the question for now.

Meanwhile, Shakur Stevenson is preparing for his opponent, Josh Padley. It will be interesting to see if the latter will be able to pose a threat to the young boxing star. Well, the result will be there for all to see come February 22. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.