By Adam Baskin: Prime Rank promoter Bob Arum says Shakur Stevenson will battle in November for the WBC light-weight title in opposition to one of the best out there fighter.
#4 WBC Frank Martin (17-0, 12 KOs) is the opponent that’s rumored to be going through Shakur (20-0, 10 KOs) subsequent for the WBC 135-lb belt.
Martin could be a wonderful choice, as he’s coming off an exhilarating twelve spherical unanimous determination win over Artem Harutyunyan final July.
If Martin doesn’t take the battle, one other opponent from the WBC’s high 15 shall be picked. Sadly, there are a number of of the high-profile contenders that may probably reject taking the with Shakur.
Choices for Shakur:
– Frank Martin– William Zepeda– Edwin De Los Santos– Jamaine Ortiz– Shuichiro Yoshino– Raymond Muratalla– George Kambosos
It’s doable that Arum could must drop all the way down to Jamaine Ortiz or Raymond Muratalla earlier than he finds somebody that may comply with battle Stevenson. Isaac Cruz might be going through Gervonta Davis subsequent, so he’s not an choice for Shakur.
Additionally, former unified light-weight champion Georg Kambosos Jr and contender William Zepeda are fighters that aren’t anticipated to comply with battle Shakur.
Arum says Vasily Lomaachenko shall be taking the rest of the 12 months off. Loma is the man that Stevenson had hoped to battle, however his nation, Ukrainian, continues to be at struggle with Russia. It’s not a very good time for Lomachenko.
“Lomachenko is balking about preventing this 12 months. He desires to take day off. He can’t get centered on preventing. I don’t suppose it has something to do with Shakur,” stated Prime Tank promoter Bob Arum to Steve Kim, ruling out a return this 12 months for Vasily Lomachenko.
“Positively,” stated Aum when requested if Shakur Stevenson will battle in November. “We’re going to get the very best opponent, and he’s going to battle for the WBC [lightweight] title.
“I don’t know. Mayweather’s plan is at all times to stretch every thing out till the opponent has nothing left,” stated Arum when requested about probably matching Shakur in opposition to Gervonta Davis.
“So, I can’t speak for Mayweather, and I can’t speak for Tank Davis. I believe that’s a very fascinating battle, however I believe Tank is aware of like I do know there’s just one winner in that battle, and that’s Shakur,” stated Arum.
It’s unclear what the top sport could be for Shakur if he captures the WBC light-weight title. He’s anticipated to be prevented by the highest guys, Gervonta Davis, and it is likely to be a good suggestion for Shakur to maneuver as much as 140, the place he can put himself able to battle Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, Ryan Garcia, Regis Prograis, Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero and Subriel Matias.
They clearly tryna freeze me out if y’all don’t see it y’all dumb.. However I can’t be mad as a result of Everyone been tried to place me on sport years in the past! I’m gone take mine on the chin and keep centered 💯
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) August 21, 2023
