Shakur Stevenson Says He Isn’t Surprised He is Being Avoided
Two-division world champion Shakur Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs) is willing to fight the best in the lightweight division. But the elite at 135 are seemingly hesitant to face him. One of those fighters includes former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr (21-2, 10 KOs).
HERE WE GO AGAIN
The former unified champion is coming off a disputed unanimous decision victory over Maxi Hughes on July 22 in an IBF lightweight title eliminator. Stevenson was in attendance and challenged Kambosos afterward. Things have kicked off once again between the two as they engaged in a fiery exchange on social media.
We’ve been down this road before when it comes to these two. In December 2022, Kambosos turned down an offer to fight the two-division champion. Stevenson refuses to let go of it.
ARE FOLKS RUNNING SCARED?
You can argue that at this stage of his career, it’s wise of Kambosos to brush off the notion of getting in the ring with the talented left-hander. Kambosos is in line to fight for the vacant IBF title either late this year or early in 2024. Why fight Stevenson now and put a probable world title shot at risk?
On the other hand, Stevenson is starting to feel like he’s getting frozen out. In July 2023, he failed to land a fight with reigning undisputed champion Devin Haney. Three-division world champion Vasyl Lomachenko also said no to a match with Stevenson, who went to social media to express his frustration at not landing a marquee fight at 135:
The pride of Newark, New Jersey is one of the most talented figures in the sport. With his high-level boxing skills, the 26-year-old is a big problem for anyone from 130-140 pounds. Top fighters have not been quick to make a concerted effort to fight him. Stevenson may be a fighter that is too good for his good.
