There was a large contingent of boxing fans that were somewhat disappointed in Shakur Stevenson. Although the New Jersey native is still in the infancy stages of his career, he never appeared to have any trouble with making weight. However, in what would have been the first defense of his unified super featherweight throne, the former Olympic silver medalist failed to tip the scales at the 130-pound weight limit for his upcoming showdown against Robson Conceicao.
As a result, Stevenson (18-0, 9 KOs) was forced to relinquish both his WBO and WBC titles. Yet, despite having his championship reign truncated, Stevenson was ostensibly calm and unbothered. While the 25-year-old is no longer a world champion, he assured his undying fans that his inability to make weight will have no bearing on the outcome against Conceicao.
“It’s showtime,” said Stevenson on his social media account. “I’m locked in regardless. See y’all soon.”
In addition to Stevenson stating that he’s completely locked in and focused on Conceicao, the former two-division world titlist revealed that this will be his final bout at 130-pounds.
With a long list of tantalizing options awaiting him one division north, Stevenson has long been linked to former two-time gold medalist and pound-for-pound star, Vasiliy Lomachenko. In a perfect world, Bob Arum, who promotes both fighters, would love to hammer out a deal between Stevenson and Lomachenko, provided, of course, they emerge victoriously from their respective bouts.
Stevenson, naturally, must first get past Conceicao. Lomachenko, on the other hand, has a 135-pound date against fringe contender Jamaine Ortiz on October 29th. Still, even if both fighters snag victories in their individual bouts, Lomachenko may have his eyes on undisputed lightweight champion, Devin Haney.
The soft-spoken 23-year-old is slated to defend his WBO, WBC, IBF, and WBA world titles in a rematch against George Kambosos Jr. on October 15th.
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