Born Ash-Shakur Nafi-Shahid Stevenson on June 28, 1997, in Newark, New Jersey, Shakur was immersed in the sport from an early age. Newark, a city steeped in boxing history, provided the perfect backdrop for his development. Under the guidance of his grandfather, Wali Moses, who became his first trainer, Stevenson honed his skills and quickly rose through the ranks of amateur boxing. His talent was undeniable, and he capped his amateur career with a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the bantamweight division—an achievement that signaled his potential for greatness in the professional arena.
The Transition to Professional Boxing
Stevenson made his professional debut on April 22, 2017, and it was immediately clear that he was destined for stardom. In his first fight, he secured a unanimous decision victory over Edgar Brito, showcasing the refined skills that had already made him a standout in the amateur ranks. His early professional bouts were marked by precision, speed, and a growing confidence that would soon see him challenging for world titles.
Career Progression and Weight Classes
Throughout his career, Shakur has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, competing across several weight divisions. Starting in the featherweight class (126 lbs), he later moved to super featherweight (130 lbs), and has most recently stepped up to lightweight (135 lbs). With each transition, Stevenson not only maintained his dominance but also grew stronger, continually outclassing his opponents and proving his versatility in the ring.
Fighting Style and Abilities
Stevenson’s fighting style is often compared to some of boxing’s all-time greats, particularly for his exceptional defense, sharp footwork, and high boxing IQ. Primarily fighting as a southpaw, Stevenson’s ability to control the distance and avoid unnecessary hits has drawn comparisons to legends like Floyd Mayweather Jr. His fights are a study in precision and control, making him a formidable opponent and a difficult puzzle for anyone to solve.
Championship Titles and Milestones
Shakur’s ascent to the top has been marked by key victories that have defined his career:
– WBO Featherweight Title (2019): Stevenson captured his first world title by defeating Joet Gonzalez in a dominant unanimous decision. The fight was also notable for the personal rivalry, as Stevenson was in a relationship with Gonzalez’s sister.
– WBO Super Featherweight Title (2021): In another standout performance, Stevenson secured the WBO super featherweight title with a TKO win over Jamel Herring, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes situations.
– WBC Lightweight Title: Now in the lightweight division, Stevenson has set his sights on dominating this highly competitive class, with ambitions of unifying the division’s titles.
Stevenson’s career has been punctuated by several significant bouts:
– Vs. Joet Gonzalez: This fight earned Stevenson his first world title and was charged with personal drama, adding to its intensity.
– Vs. Jamel Herring: A defining moment in Stevenson’s career, where he showcased his elite skills and secured the WBO super featherweight title.
– Vs. Oscar Valdez: On April 30, 2022, Stevenson unified the WBC and WBO super featherweight titles with a decisive victory over the previously undefeated Valdez, solidifying his place at the top of the sport.
Upcoming Fight Against Joe Cordina
On October 12, 2024, Shakur Stevenson is set to defend his WBC lightweight title against the undefeated Welshman Joe Cordina in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This fight is part of the prestigious Riyadh Season and will serve as the co-main event alongside the highly anticipated light heavyweight clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
Joe Cordina, known as “The Welsh Wizard,” is a former IBF super featherweight champion who has made waves in the boxing world with his sharp boxing skills and knockout power. Cordina’s precise punching and high ring IQ make him a formidable opponent for Stevenson. This matchup is particularly intriguing as it pits Stevenson’s defensive brilliance against Cordina’s offensive acumen.
For Stevenson, this fight is an opportunity to further cement his legacy and prove that he is the best in the lightweight division. A victory over Cordina would not only add another title defense to his record but also position him for even bigger fights in the future, potentially against other top lightweights like Devin Haney or Gervonta Davis. The stakes are incredibly high, as both fighters bring undefeated records and world titles into the ring, making this a must-watch event for boxing fans.
Recent Activity and Future Prospects
Shakur Stevenson is far from complacent. He has openly expressed his desire to face the best in the lightweight division, including top names like Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis. With his sights set on becoming a multi-weight world champion, Stevenson’s future in boxing looks exceptionally bright.
As of 2024, Shakur Stevenson stands at a pivotal moment in his career. With the highly anticipated fight against Joe Cordina on the horizon and the potential to unify titles in the lightweight division, he is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the sport. His unique blend of talent, discipline, and determination makes him a fighter to watch, with many predicting that he could one day be counted among the all-time greats in boxing.
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