Boxing
Shakur Stevenson calls himself a “diamond” before his fight with Teo
Published
5 months agoon
Shakur Stevenson says he is “diamond” and on January 31, he will shine in the match against Teofimo Lopez. He wants WBO welterweight champion Lopez (22-1, 13 KO) to see what “level” he is at.
Stevenson Business Mode
Stevenson (24-0, 11 KO) claims that at this stage of his career he is focused on making “business” decisions. Moving to 140 to challenge Teofimo is part of his up-to-date business-oriented approach.
Shakur states that “when he wins, he will make a decision whether to go back to 135, stay at 140, or go to 147. Whichever makes the most sense financially.
“I’m a diamond. I’ve been shining my entire career. I’m not going to stop now,” said Shakur Stevenson media after today’s press conference with WBO 140-pound champion Teofimo Lopez. “A lot of things they sleep on are my power. Many people say I can’t break.”
Has Shakur fought in Elite before?
Stevenson didn’t fight good enough opponents to call himself a “diamond.” He fights guys like Josh Padley, but he hasn’t fought top-level guys at 126, 130 and 135. At 126, he never fought Rafael Espinoza. At 135 years venerable, Shakur has not been tested. So the “diamond” label it has given itself makes it sound pretentious.
“I was he had been waiting for this chance for years to show who I really am. Shout out to Teo. We’ll see,” Stevenson said when asked if he would return to lightweight after the Lopez fight.
It would be nice if Shakur had the same attitude towards some of the 135-pounders who called him out. Teofimo’s popularity, enormous fan base and occasional erratic behavior are probably what appeals to Stevenson the most.
“At this stage of my career, I’m focused on the best business. Whatever makes the most sense to me and that’s what moves us forward,” said Shakur when asked about Turki Alalshikh, saying that there will be a substantial fight in the spring for the winner of his fight with Teofimo.
Like many fighters who have had their first taste of substantial money, Stevenson is currently steering his career towards the biggest purses rather than engaging in thrilling fights with significant, but not necessarily star, fighters.
This may explain why Shakur has shown no interest in fighting O’Shaquie Foster. Of course, assessing whether he can win this fight is also a factor. His interest in fighting Lamont Roach, a fighter who is no more popular than Foster, suggests that he is shrewd when it comes to fighting the fighters he chooses. Roach is not a star, but he is vulnerable, as we saw in his fight against Isaac Cruz, his loss to Jamel Herring, and his close loss to Hector Luis Garcia.
Race card problem
“He’s crazy about Black people. He’s crazy about Puerto Ricans. He’s going to pay for it on January 31,” Shakur said of Teofimo. “It’s time to show what the level is. I don’t think he realizes what the level is. So I can’t wait to show him.”
Let’s hope Stevenson won’t play a major role in promoting this fight. This is a negative way to generate interest by exploiting this perspective, calling Teo a racist and portraying himself as a race avenger. Not only would it look bad, but if Shakur loses, it will be even worse for him.
Robert Segal was a key voice in Boxing News 24providing fight news, previews and analysis with direct access to insider information. Covering sports for over a decade, his work focuses on champions, challengers and emerging talent around the world. Known for his edged in-ring perspective, Robert brings fans closer to the action with straightforward, learned reporting.
Last update: 12/10/2025
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Tim Bradley raised modern questions about Naoya Inoue ahead of a possible fight with Junto Nakatani, saying the undisputed champion has been hit too tough recently and could be he’s starting to get tired of fighting.
“I was hesitant on what to choose,” Bradley said on his channel while talking about Saturday’s Inoue vs. Nakatani fight. “I don’t know who I’m going to favor yet. I’ll let you know later, man. I don’t know. I really don’t know.”
Bradley explained that Nakatani’s length, timing and counters give him the tools to give Inoue more trouble than recent opponents. “Nakatani got a chance to bat,” Bradley said. “In any case, she needs to close the distance from him. The question is, will she do it safely?”
He also pointed out a recurring error in Inoue’s style, noting moments where the undisputed champion can be caught stepping in.
“He’s defenseless. He’s getting hit. That’s what it is,” Bradley said. “Like Nakatani.”
Bradley praised the way Nakatani uses his range and setup play, saying it all starts with his lead hand.
“It all depends on the leading hand and whether he can get his opponent into the action,” Bradley said. “He wants you to reach so he can teach.”
Still, Bradley sees Inoue as a more adaptable player and therefore can’t fully engage in an upset conversation.
“You can never predict. You look at Inoue’s fights and you see this guy doesn’t fight the same,” Bradley said. “He always adapts his game to the style he is dealing with.”
Bradley also questioned whether years of activity could compensate Inoue after his recent struggles.
“He was hit too tough,” Bradley said. “I wonder if he’s getting tired of fighting?”
Even with these concerns, Bradley expects both men to be in top shape should the fight happen.
“It’s going to be a hell of a fight, man,” Bradley said. “These guys are going to beat the living [expletive] from each other.”
Robert Segal is a boxing reporter at Boxing News 24 with over a decade of experience covering fight news, previews and analysis. Known for his first-hand reporting and in-ring perspective, he delivers authoritative coverage of champions, challengers and emerging talent from around the world.
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Last updated: 26/04/2026 at 17:17
Boxing
Doubts are growing about Floyd Mayweather’s rematch with Manny Pacquiao
Published
1 hour agoon
April 26, 2026
Floyd Mayweather still has not confirmed his rematch with Manny Pacquiao, and his silence now raises grave doubts whether this fight will take place at all.
While Pacquiao and his team continue to push the idea that a second fight has been agreed, Mayweather has said nothing beyond suggesting that any return would be an exhibition and that his undefeated record is not in jeopardy.
This gap between the two sides has only widened, resulting in one version being shared publicly while the other remains absent.
Pacquiao insists the deal is done
Pacquiao has repeatedly said the contract is for a fully sanctioned professional fight, not an exhibition.
“The contract we signed is a real fight,” Pacquiao said. “It’s either a real fight or nothing.”
His team went further, maintaining that contracts had been signed and financial commitments made, and Manny Pacquiao Promotions CEO Jas Mathur provided those details in multiple interviews, including with World Boxing News.
At this stage, the message was clear – the fight had begun and it would be fought on fully professional terms.
Mayweather’s silence tells a different story
Mayweather’s position does not match this certainty.
The former five-weight world champion has not yet officially confirmed the rematch and only referred to the exhibition conditions when discussing a possible return to the professional ranks.
There has been no announcement from Mayweather Promotions, no official launch of the event, and no confirmation from any broadcaster despite reports linking Netflix to the project.
Even that element has gone silent, with no evident promotion or support to suggest that a major fight announcement is imminent.
Mathur, who spoke out during the initial rollout, has also withdrawn from public comments in recent weeks.
The famed Mayweather pattern
The situation mirrors previous instances where reports of fighting have gained popularity without ever being confirmed.
Earlier this year, a proposed exhibition featuring Mike Tyson followed a similar path, with a reported date circulating ahead of his departure, with neither man formally mentioning its status.
Mayweather has long maintained a consistent stance in situations like this.
“Nothing is confirmed unless you hear it here first,” he said throughout his career, a standard he maintained until the exhibition era.
Until confirmation comes directly from Mayweather, speculation alone will not be enough to make the fight real.
Unresolved, not imminent
Pacquiao’s position remains unchanged, and there is an expectation in his camp that the rematch will be conducted as a truly professional fight.
But without Mayweather publicly responding to these conditions, the situation remains unresolved – and increasingly questionable.
At this point the direction becomes clear.
Throughout the discussion surrounding the second meeting, only one side is actively driving the narrative, while the other has yet to take any action.
Until Floyd Mayweather says it himself, there is no fight – just one-sided noise.
About the author
Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.
Boxing
Tim Bradley sums up Terence Crawford’s chances of beating the first Floyd Mayweather
Published
2 hours agoon
April 26, 2026
Terence Crawford or Floyd Mayweather? Hall of Fame player Tim Bradley only sees one winner.
Eight years after Mayweather retired undefeated, Crawford followed suit. The two shared many of the characteristics that define elite warriors. Both won titles in different weight classes and relied on IQ, timing and accuracy rather than outright aggression. It’s worth noting that they were able to adapt mid-fight and take away from their opponents what they do best without taking unnecessary risks.
They were also very different. Mayweather, especially in the later stages of his career, was almost entirely defensive and content to win rounds through control and minimal effort. “Bud” was more proactive and fan-friendly – changing positions, increasing his efficiency and pushing for the finish when there was a chance.
It’s an intriguing clash of styles and a natural choice for a high-end fantasy fight ES Newsthe animated Bradley had no hesitation in predicting Crawford’s victory.
“Crawford!…He’s got too much power, man, too much power for Floyd. He’s as shrewd as [Floyd] Is. He has perfect timing. He can play both ways – Floyd doesn’t like to face southpaws. Damn, Zab Judah was getting his act together before he ran out of gas. I’ve been saying this for years, I have Crawford all day long.
Crawford was only respectful when asked about Mayweather, and even admitted he believed Floyd was the only fighter who could have caused him problems. This will remain one of the hottest intergenerational debates.
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