There was a large contingent of boxing fans who were somewhat disappointed in Shakur Stevenson. Though the New Jersey native is still in the early stages of his career, he never seemed to have a problem 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 next matchup against Robson Conceicao.
As a result, Stevenson (18-0, 9 KOs) was forced to relinquish his WBO and WBC titles. However, despite his championship reign being cut short, Stevenson was seemingly calm and undisturbed. Although the 25-year-old is no longer a world champion, he assured his eternal fans that his inability to make weight will have no bearing on the result against Conceicao.
“It’s showtime,” Stevenson said on his social media account. “I am locked up regardless. See you soon.
In addition to Stevenson stating that he is completely focused and focused on Conceicao, the former two-division world champion revealed that this will be his last fight at 130 pounds.
With a long list of tantalizing options awaiting him in a division to the north, Stevenson has long been associated with 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 strike a deal between Stevenson and Lomachenko, provided, of course, that they emerge victorious in their respective bouts.
Stevenson, naturally, must first get past Conceicao. Lomachenko, on the other hand, has a 135-pound matchup against fringe contender Jamaine Ortiz on October 29. Still, even if both fighters earn victories in their singles fights, Lomachenko may have his eyes on undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney.
The soft-spoken 23-year-old is scheduled to defend his WBO, WBC, IBF and WBA world titles in a rematch against George Kambosos Jr. on October 15.
