Stevenson: “I’m Not Fighting Again At 130 Unless It’s For The WBA Or IBF”

Shakur Stevenson Planning to Leave 130 Short of WBA or IBF Title Fights!

Very recently, 3Kings Boxing reported that WBO and WBC super featherweight champion “Fearless” Shakur Stevenson (18-0, 9 KO’s) had every intention on moving up very soon. On September 23, Stevenson will test his might against the challenge of Robson Conceicao. Despite his being ranked #2 (WBO) and #2 (WBC), the unified champion is displeased with this level of opposition. In a recent interview conducted with ThaBoxingVoice Fearless let it be known that he is not willing to dance with anyone who is not a champion at 130-pounds.

“With the WBA and IBF, I’m not going to fight another fighter at 130 if it ain’t for the title. This might be my last fight that is not for a belt. So, I’m not fighting another fighter at 130 if it ain’t for the WBA or the IBF. Let’s make sure that’s established, make sure that Top Rank hear that, or whoever need to hear that!”

THE LAST TWO

Stevenson has only been in the division for two years, during which time he has staged five prizefights. In his third match in the division, Fearless beat Jeremia Nakathila by unanimous decision to claim the WBO interim 130-pound title. In his next bout, the New Jersey native stopped Jamel Herring to usurp his WBO super featherweight strap. Seven months later, Stevenson outclasses his two-division rival Oscar Valdez in a significant unification match.

Outside of himself, there are only two remaining champions: Joe Cordina (IBF) and Roger Gutierrez (WBA). Cordina is a UK talent that has been gobbling up secondary titles and just beat Kenichi Ogawa in his last fight to take possession of the IBF belt. To date, the former Olympian has never fought in the United States and only fought outside his native UK on one occasion.

For his part, Venezuelan fighter Roger Gutierrez first acquired his WBA super featherweight title by defeating then champion Rene Alvarado. He first toppled Alvarado by way of unanimous decision back on January 2, 2021. Gutierrez would go on to beat him by UD again in an immediate rematch staged on August 14, 2021. Next, he is slated to defend his title against Hector Luis Garcia on August 20.

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By: Bakari Simpson

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