The Shakur Stevenson next fight news has arrived and the lightweight champion has announced his return in July. However, an opponent has still not been revealed. We look at the likely options and recap his victory in November.
Who will Shakur Stevenson next fight be against?
After making easy work of Edwin De Los Santos to end his 2023 schedule, Shakur Stevenson’s next fight options are pretty wide open. In March, it was revealed that a date and location had been set for his return in July. However, the opponent was not announced.
Based on his recent performances and availability, the most likely foe for Stevenson’s return fight will be Zaur Abdullaev or Keyshawn Davis.
- The Russian: Many of the 10 best fighters at lightweight are all booked for fights this spring. That is why Abdullaev makes a lot of sense for the fighter’s summer return. He is a serious test and is a major matchup as both look to move into bigger bouts at lightweight.
- The Businessman: Davis is already a top 10 lightweight after just 10 bouts. However, that is how gifted the 25-year-old is. While there is a big risk in the booking for Stevenson, if he wants a ranked foe in his return “The Businessman” is a strong option.
Shakur Stevenson vs. Edwin De Los Santos recap
As Stevenson’s profile continues to grow in the sport, the expectations for him rise, so that is why some were disappointed by his Nov. win over De Los Santos. The bout devolved into a points battle that saw very few exciting moments. However, a win is a win and the Newark native extended his unbeaten streak on that night.
What happened: It seemed that Stevenson made a point of trying to showcase his evolved jab during the bout. Which he did in heavy doses as it looked lightning quick and accurate. However, the young star didn’t follow those jabs up with electrifying combos.
That, matched with his impressive defense, led to a fight that brought the boo-birds reigning down from the crowd.
The fallout: The victory did little for Stevenson’s status in the division. He was expected to win and did so, but the unexciting fashion in which it was done likely damaged his chances to land a matchup in his next bout against one of the stars of the weight class.
The roadmap: While he moved his record to 21-0, the American will probably have to face a fighter behind him in the rankings before he gets a booking against a big-name opponent in 2024.
What makes Shakur Stevenson so popular?
Shakur Stevenson is one of the bright young stars in the sport. Over his first 21 fights, he faced very few challenges and the WBC champion has quickly garnered a growing fan base as he rises up the division’s pecking order.
Along with young stars like Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis, Stevenson is one of the new faces of the lighter-weight classes.
- Shakur Stevenson Record: 21-0 (10 KOs)
- Shakur Stevenson age: 26-years-old
- Shakur Stevenson began his career at bantamweight and represented the US in the 2016 Summer Olympics, winning a silver medal at just 18 years old.
- Even before he won an Olympic medal Stevenson was an elite prospect as he earned titles at the 2014 AIBA Youth World Championships and 2014 Summer Youth Olympics.
- When he began his career in the professional ranks he fought mostly at featherweight, winning multiple titles including unifying all the belts at super featherweight.
- During the first few years of his career, the young star has scored big wins over proven fighters like Joet Gonzalez, Jeremia Nakathila, and Oscar Valdez.
Shakur Stevenson net worth
Money is often one of the greatest measuring stick for a fighter’s success. As of 2024, Shakur Stevenson’s net worth is believed to be as much as $5 million.