Shakur Stevenson vs Christopher Diaz is on the way!
Shakur Stevenson, one of the sport’s most promising young fighters is about to take a BIG step up in competition. Lately, reports are surfacing that former super featherweight title challenger Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz is being pulled from a March 17 showdown with Jessie Magdaleno.
Instead, he will now meet Stevenson in a featherweight bout on the undercard of Terence Crawford vs Amir Khan.
This is a major statement regarding Top Rank’s opinion of Stevenson. Clearly, matchmakers think the 21 year-old silver medalist is ready for big fights. Diaz is no slouch. In fact, it was just last year that he was the surging Top Rank prospect headed towards championship status.
A run in with current WBO 130lbs champion Masayuki Ito resulted in a unanimous decision loss in his first title opportunity. This sole career defeat resulted in a move back down to the 126lbs ranks.
The Fast Track
Stevenson, only 10 fights into his pro career, has spoken about wanting to fight for a world title in 2019. Other comments from Bob Arum have motivated even further speculation that Stevenson is on the “fast track”.
Specifically, comments about a potential show down with IBF champion Josh Warrington. Well, the speculation can essentially end now. With this fight being finalized, it all but confirms they believe he’s ready.
As for Diaz, he was already on schedule for a risky fight early in his “rebuild” with Magdaleno. However, per reports, he’s been offered more money for the fight with the Newark native.
Stevenson will be heading to camp in Colorado Springs with the WBO welterweight champion. Crawford has taken the eager young southpaw under his wing, and its this writer’s opinion that the relationship has resulted in impressive results.
Early concerns from fans about Stevenson’s ability have vanished after back-to-back stoppages over far more experienced opponents. Therefore, one can only expect that being in camp with the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighter will surely prepare the former Olympian for the biggest challenge of his young career!
Stay tuned to 3kingsboxing as news funnels in about Jessie Magdaleno’s replacement opponents and who Teofimo Lopez will be fighting on the Crawford/Khan PPV.
By: Tanner Gill
