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Shakur is brave, but too ponderous and sheltered

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Image: Teofimo Lopez: I “commend” Shakur Stevenson for stepping up — but he’s “slow,” protected, and ripe for a first loss

Teofimo Lopez says he “applauds” Shakur Stevenson for having the courage to face him at age 140 in 2026. He claims that Shakur (24-0, 11 KO) is trying to follow in the footsteps of his “massive brother”, Terence Crawford, by aspiring to take on bigger fights.

‘It’s About Time’ Stevenson fights a real threat

WBO welterweight champion Teofimo (22-1, 13 KO) states that Stevenson lacks the hand speed, talent and power to follow the plan of his mentor, Crawford.

He refers to Shakur, who hails from Newark, Up-to-date Jersey, as “ponderous” and powerless. However, Lopez respects the courage and ambition Stevenson is showing in “stepping onto the field” to face him in 2026. Lopez says it’s “High time” that Shakur will face a talented opponent because he has never fought anyone who posed a threat to him since he turned professional in 2017 after losing to Cuban Robeisy Ramirez at the 2016 Olympics.

Apex fights Shakur should have fought

In other words, Teofimo believes Shakiur was protected by his promoters, Top Rank and Matchroom, in the professional rankings. However, this does not only apply to them. Stevenson has enough knowledge to insist that they match him in the fight against these top-shelf predators if he was truly interested in following his “Gigantic Brother” Crawford’s plan to achieve his higher powers:

  • Andy Cruz
  • Ernesto Mercado
  • Abdullah Mason
  • Floyd Schofield
  • Raymond Muratalla

Lopez: Shakur is 135 years venerable and “ponderous, really ponderous.”

“I saw him at lightweight in his last fight [William] Zepeda i it’s ponderous, really ponderous. There is nothing more to it,” Teofimo Lopez said in commentary Brian Custer YouTube channel about the last fight of WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson with William Zepeda at the age of 135, which took place on July 12, 2025.

Many boxing fans echoed Teofimo’s observation about Shakur’s lack of hand speed. They said the same about him. Stevenson lacks the incredible hand speed of talents like Andy Cruz and Floyd Schofield at 135.

Protected by promoters, not tested by predators

Stevenson managed to get a handle on his matchmaking, which was a perfect cover for his lack of speed and power. Instead of Matchroom and Top Rank throwing Shakur to the sharks since turning pro, they’ve kept him in the shallows against these minnows:

  • Josh Padley
  • Artem Harutyunyan
  • Shuichiro Yoshino
  • Jeremiah Nakathila
  • Exit Kahn Clary

Teofimo predicts humiliation at 140 pounds

“Terence Crawford, who he calls ‘Gigantic Brother,’ I think that’s what makes him want to fight bigger and better fights and have a better opponent,” Teofimo said of Shakur. “I applaud him for rising to the top and I think it’s time for him to come to terms with his first loss. kick his ass until he gives up his stool or I will knock him out.”

Teo is right. Shakur has finally shown some backbone after all these years, but it’s not looking good for him. His last fight against William Zepeda earlier this year on July 12 highlighted the flaws in his game. Stevenson lacks the speed and arm power to survive against fighters with lethal power and speed.

Last update: 11/02/2025

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Boxing

Bill Haney commented on the Keyshawn Davis situation, says Shakur Stevenson’s fight is the most significant

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Image: Bill Haney Addresses Keyshawn Davis Situation, Says Shakur Stevenson Fight Comes First

“This man said he wanted the number 144,” Bill told Fight Hub TV. “He said, ‘We’ve got to sit down like businessmen and make this happen,’ right? Well, we’ve already sat down like businessmen. We’re ready to make it happen.”

Elder Haney also rejected suggestions that the catchweight proposal would represent a sudden change of plans.

“It’s not so sudden. 144 is a welterweight. Are you crazy or what?” Haney said. “At welterweight, we range from 140 to 147.”

As the conversation turned to Keyshawn Davis and his position as a top contender for the WBO title, Haney repeatedly pointed to what he believed to be a better opportunity.

“What is the most significant boxing fight going on right now?” Haney asked. “Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney.”

Haney acknowledged that Davis remains part of the bigger picture, but pointed out that Stevenson’s matchup has been years in the making.

“This case has been brewing for seven, eight, nine, 10 years, whatever it was,” Haney said. “Just rest and we’ll get it done. He’s on the list. He was on the list before he was on the list, and he’ll stay on the list.”

Time will tell if the fight comes to fruition, but Bill Haney’s comments were perhaps the strongest indication yet that Team Haney is sedate about racing Stevenson at the proposed catchweight of 144 pounds.

The situation could become more complicated if the WBO formally orders Haney to fulfill his mandatory obligation to Davis. Until then, it appears the Haneys are turning their attention to what they believe is the biggest fight available.

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Oscar De La Hoya says Gervonta Davis doesn’t deserve to have an undefeated record before her comeback

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Oscar De La Hoya says that Gervonta Davis does not deserve undefeated record ahead of comeback

Oscar De La Hoya believes Gervonta Davis’ professional record should see a loss ahead of his potential comeback fight.

It is said that the 31-year-old is in negotiations for a fight for the WBA lightweight title with Floyd Schofield Jr, offering “Tank” the opportunity to regain his elderly belt.

Davis defended his world title after: controversial draw with Lamont Roach in March 2025, but has since become the sanctioning body’s “halt champion” at 135 pounds.

This is partly due to his passivity, but also to the American’s problems outside the ring, where he faced accusations of domestic violence.

However, it currently appears that Davis could return to action soon, with a potential fight with Schofield set for September or October.

These negotiations involve Schofield’s promoter, Golden Boy boss De La Hoya, who insists that “Tank” should suffer his first professional defeat in the match against Roach.

Their match ended in a draw after referee Steve Willis ruled against a knockdown in round nine when Davis clearly touched the canvas following a shot by Roach.

As a result, De La Hoya said Fighting Hub TV that Roach should have back-to-back victories over “Tank” and Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, whom he boxed in December to a less controversial draw.

“Roach is a great fighter in his own right. He has some really good wins under his belt. I say he wins because I think he really won against ‘Tank’ Davis and I think he did a great job against ‘Pitbull.’

If Davis and Schofield’s respective teams are unable to reach an agreement by June 22, their mandate quarterback will be sent to a bidding hearing.

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Shakur Stevenson accuses Devin Haney of ‘false public negotiations’ after £144 settlement

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Image: Shakur Stevenson Accuses Devin Haney of "Fake Public Negotiations" After 144-Pound Agreement

Potential negotiations between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson have taken another public turn after Stevenson accused his rival of engaging in “false public negotiations” following Haney’s latest comments on social media.

Haney appeared frustrated after previously agreeing to Stevenson’s proposed catchweight of 144 pounds, suggesting that even accepting those terms did not bring the fight any closer to becoming a reality.


“144 is not enough…I still don’t want to fight! Damn…@ShakurStevenson,” Haney wrote X.

Shakur later responded by dismissing this public exchange as a impoverished reflection of how main event fights actually unfold.

“The same thing you all did with Rolly. All those counterfeit public negotiations… The real negotiations take place offline.” I am the truth that you will see when you stand before me!!” Shakur posted.

Shakiur previously considered 144 pounds to be a fair compromise in a potential showdown with Haney, who has competed at welterweight in his most recent outings. Haney then signaled his willingness to accept the catchweight offer, sparking optimism that one of boxing’s most talked-about fights could gain momentum.

The latest exchange came shortly after the WBO confirmed that Haney must either defend his welterweight title against mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis or risk losing the belt. While neither Haney nor Stevenson directly addressed the situation in their recent posts, the article did add another note to any future negotiations involving the former two-division world champions.

With Haney facing a WBO title decision and Shakur insisting that stern negotiations will take place behind closed doors, the pressure is now on both camps to determine whether the fight can go beyond an online exchange.

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Categories Devin Haney, Keyshawn Davis and Shakur Stevenson

Last update: 2026/06/12 at 21:45

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