Shakur Stevenson, born on June 28, 1997, in Newark, New Jersey, is an American professional boxer who has quickly risen to prominence in the sport, currently holding the WBC lightweight title. Known for his exceptional boxing IQ, technical skills, and agility, Stevenson has established himself as one of the top fighters in his weight class.
Shakur Stevenson Early Life and Amateur Career
Growing up in a boxing family, Stevenson was introduced to the sport at a young age. He began training at the age of 5 and quickly showed promise as an amateur. His dedication paid off when he represented the United States at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where he won a silver medal in the bantamweight division. This achievement solidified his reputation as a top prospect in boxing.
Professional Career
Stevenson turned professional on February 9, 2017, signing with Top Rank and making his debut with a victory over Edgar Brito. He quickly gained attention for his defensive prowess and ability to control fights from a distance.
Championship Titles
Stevenson's rise through the ranks has been marked by several significant victories:
- WBO Featherweight Champion: In October 2019, he won the vacant WBO featherweight title by defeating Joet Gonzalez via unanimous decision.
- WBO Super Featherweight Champion: Stevenson moved up in weight and captured the WBO super featherweight title by defeating Jamel Herring on October 23, 2021.
- WBC Lightweight Champion: On November 16, 2023, Stevenson won the vacant WBC lightweight title against Edwin De Los Santos by unanimous decision. This victory further established him as a dominant force in boxing.
As of now, Stevenson holds an undefeated professional record of 22 wins, 0 losses, and 0 draws, with 10 of those victories coming by knockout.
Recent Fights
Stevenson's most recent fight took place on July 6, 2024, against Artem Harutyunyan at the Prudential Center in Newark. He won the bout by unanimous decision after twelve rounds, successfully defending his WBC lightweight title. This fight showcased Stevenson's ability to adapt and outmaneuver his opponent over the distance.
Fighting Style and Skills
Stevenson is known for his southpaw stance and exceptional defensive skills, making him difficult to hit. His quick footwork allows him to evade punches while setting up counterattacks. Analysts often praise his ring IQ, as he can adjust his strategy mid-fight based on his opponent's strengths and weaknesses.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Stevenson is set to face Joe Cordina on October 12, 2024, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This matchup is highly anticipated as both fighters are considered elite competitors in the lightweight division. Potential future opponents for Stevenson could include notable names like Gervonta Davis or Devin Haney.
Shakur Stevenson Personal Life
Outside of boxing, Stevenson is known for his engaging personality and commitment to community service. He often speaks about the importance of giving back and inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams.
As Shakur Stevenson continues to make waves in professional boxing, he remains focused on solidifying his legacy as one of the greats in the sport. With a bright future ahead and aspirations for unifying titles across multiple weight classes, Stevenson is poised to leave a lasting impact on boxing history.
