Shakur Stevenson is riding high off the back of an extremely watchable win over William Zepeda.
The American entered his latest WBC Lightweight World Title defence facing claims that he was not main event worthy due to a lack of engaging in fights, content to rely on his elite defence to win over twelve.
Whilst the Zepeda fight did go the distance, Stevenson stayed in the pocket for extended periods of time to showcase his stellar defence, countering the challenger and slipping around 700 shots, according to Compubox.He won a wide unanimous decision.
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With his belt retained and feeling a fresh appreciation for his skillset, Shakur has turned his attentions to what’s next. Out of blue, Conor Benn (23-1, 14 KOs) appears to be in the mix.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show alongside Benn, Stevenson told the Brit that he is willing to more up to welterweight to face him.
“Let’s make it happen … I won my fight. Your last fight what did you do? I just told you [I’ll jump up two weight divisions] at 147. What are you gonna do? You’re not that big, bro. You’re not gonna hit me.”
Benn – who recently jumped two weight classes himself to face Chris Eubank Jr and will do so again in their September rematch – responded by claiming Stevenson was hurt on Saturday night against Mexican pressure fighter Zepeda, and that he would feel a different power moving up.
“Zepeda almost knocked you out. I saw the legs buckle. I thought, at 135 this guy thinks he come come up 147 and fight me? We ain’t close to the same size … Listen, I’ll come back down and fight you at 147 in November.”
Finally, Stevenson agreed and the pair shook hands.
“November? Yeah, I’m down … After I beat you, just tell me I’m great.”
The exchange was friendly with a hint of competition, but neither man looked to be anything but serious about the fight plans. Whether or not it makes sense for their career trajectories is another matter.
