Shakur Stevenson published a mysterious message in social media, saying that he wants his “place”. It seems that he talks about 1 pound per pound or a more sublime goal of perceiving being the best warrior in sport. Theoretically, Shakur can find first place. But he will have to make many changes in these areas:

1. Opposition: Shakur cannot become the first pound for a pound, fighting with Josh Padley, Arty Harutyunyan and William Zeda. He will have to take the risk and it is doubtful if he has tools for it.
2. Win at the highest levels: This means beating predators at the age of 135, like Andy Cruz and Abdullah Mason.

Teofimo Lopez and Roach is not enough

Achieving one of them will be tough for Shakur (24-0, 11 KO) without voting on No. 1, without the need to prove that it is worthy of this place in an absolute sense. He would have to do something more than to defeat Teofimo Lopez and Lamont Roach to get the highest place in pounds for pounds. Currently, it takes 8th place on the pound list for a pound.

Why does Stevenson’s first style hurt

Shakura’s safety style does not resonate with random boxing fans or a wider American audience. The average fan wants to have fun, and Stevenson’s approach does not work with them. It is great in being busy, often publishing on X and pumping. But his combat style is seen as too archaic.

I want my place so bad that I have to catch it

– Shakur Stevenson (@shakurstevenson) September 28, 2025

To get to number 1 without political kindness, because some would be liked by Stevenson, he would have to beat these talented featherlight:

• Andy Cruz
• Raymond Muratalla
• Abdullah Mason
• Floyd Schofield
• Herrera Core
• Sam Noakes

Considering that Shakur showed zero interest in the fight with such as Cruz, Mason, Herrera or Muratalla, it will be almost impossible to be raised to 1 pounds, and even more so considered to be the best warrior in sport.

Instead of Shakur, he freezes his featherlight belts to raise the payment against Teofimo at the age of 140, he should stay and defend against Andy Cruz. Olympic gold medalist 2020 Cruz defeated Shakur’s close friend Keyshawn Davis, four times with amateurs. Defeating Avenging Keyshawn should be a priority for Stevenson instead of focusing on money.

If Stevenson returned to a slight weight after the fight with the WBO Teofimo welterurize master at the beginning of 2026, he would have to focus on the above warriors. In the face of the Super Feather Wweight Lamont Roach, it is not enough to get a 1 pound for a pound or be perceived as the best warrior in boxing.

Nobody will take Shakur seriously if he defeats Teo and Roach, and then start trying to convince fans that he is the best warrior in sport. It would sound stupid and looked at the false, trying to cut the bends.

Stevenson’s CV is missing the elite opposition

Stevenson is already doing this, calling himself the best warrior in a featherlight division after defeating William Zepeda, Josh Padley and Artem Harutyunyan in his last three fights. This is not the peak of wood fighters in a featherlight.

In order for Stevenson to call himself the best at the age of 135 after defeating these fighters, he shows what his strategy is. He doesn’t try to fight risky guys, Andy Cruz, Mason or Muratalla. He heads for secondary fighters, and then tries to convince public opinion that he is the best without fighting them.

Can politics raise first place?

Even if Stevenson receives first place in a controversial political movement, he will not make fans perceive him as the best. To be perceived as the best by a wider audience, Shakur will have to face the best guys.