Shakur Stevenson is confident in the days ahead of his June 12 matchup against dangerous puncher Jeremiah Nakathila. The winner claims the WBO interim junior lightweight championship. When asked about the devastating knockouts registered by Nakathila, “none of those guys are me” is Shakur’s answer.
The confidence from the 23-year-old champion is not without merit. Stevenson’s standout amateur career ended with a silver medal in the 2016 Olympic games. He is now 15-0 with eight knockouts as a professional.
Stevenson hasn’t been able to get a big name in the sport to fight him but insists he is ready for the challenge. He says that two fighters on his radar now are Jamel Herring and Oscar Valdez. Stevenson explains that Herring is the WBC champion right now, a title Shakur covets. The young boxer also says he will “do him dirty” when asked how a fight between Herring and himself would go.
Shakur Stevenson says he prefers a matchup with Valdez. Stevenson points out that Valdez is also young and undefeated. He concludes a Stevenson-Valdez matchup is more of a challenge and would make for a bigger fight.
Shakur Stevenson wants boxing fans to know that his eye on more notable competition does not mean he does not take Jeremiah Nakathila seriously. The young fighter is a student of the game and boxing historian. He knows that upsets happen in boxing all the time. He references Andy Ruiz’s victory over Anthony Joshua and the Buster Douglas knockout of Mike Tyson as two examples.
Stevenson says he respects the hard work that each fighter puts into developing their craft. He says he works just as hard and will never underestimate an opponent. Stevenson’s attitude and elite ability lead some boxing experts to count him among the best boxers in the sport.
Shakur Stevenson wants both fans and other fighters to know they have yet to see his maximum potential. He says his full arsenal will be on display for all to see when another top boxer says “yes” to a boxing match with him.