Shakur Stevenson says he’d struggle light-weight prospect Abdullah Mason sooner or later. WBC 135-lb champion Shakur (22-0, 10 KOs) says he respects the 20-year-old Mason, and he doesn’t suppose High Rank ought to rush him in his profession.
The Bedford, Ohio native Mason appears to be like like a can’t-miss future celebrity and a much better expertise than Shakur. High Rank invested cash in Shakur’s profession, signing him out of the 2016 Olympics, however he’s not gained over followers regardless of capturing three division world titles.
That cash was wasted as a result of Shakur’s recognition failed to extend, and he left High Rank lately in favor of signing with Matchroom. That marriage could not final if Shakur loses or his fights fail to draw curiosity.
Stevenson’s hit-and-not-get-hit combating type isn’t entertaining for this technology’s followers, who don’t benefit from the outdated Mayweather combating method. That didn’t match this period’s followers, who like motion fairly than the peck-and-scat type that Shakur makes use of.
Mason, 5’9″, is perhaps too large and highly effective for Shakur, who can’t punch and appeared poor final November in his conflict towards Edwin De Los Santos in Las Vegas. Shakur doesn’t appear to be he’s able to dealing with an enormous puncher like Mason.
It won’t be aggressive if that struggle occurs in two to 3 years. Shakur’s profession could possibly be on skidrow, very like Regis Prograis’ after subsequent 12 months, and he wouldn’t be value combating.
It’s unknown the place Shakur’s profession shall be after 2025. If #1 WBC contender William Zepeda destroys him in February, as many individuals imagine would be the case, a struggle between him and Mason may by no means occur. Shakur can be confronted with some robust selections in his profession about whether or not to remain at light-weight or transfer as much as 140 and attempt to reinvent himself.
Zepeda has already overwhelmed fighters who use the identical pull-back type that Shakur makes use of, and he made it look simple. He averages 100.2 punches thrown per spherical, and he hits onerous to the physique and head. Shakur could possibly be doomed towards Zepeda.
The three-year professional, Mason, is going through Yohan Vasquez (26-5, 21 KOs) in an eight-round struggle subsequent month on the undercard of Keyshawn Davis vs. Gustavo Lemos on November eighth on the Scopes Area in Norfolk, Virginia. The occasion shall be proven dwell on ESPN+.
Greg Hackett: “When you ever obtained the possibility, would you struggle Abdullah Mason?” mentioned Hackett to GBHTV.
Shakur Stevenson: “Sure, I believe Mason is a superb younger fighter. I don’t suppose they need to rush him. I believe that they’re doing precisely what they’re doing with him; High Rank is giving him the suitable fights. Yeah, he’s working his manner up. He’s working proper. I respect him.
“Most likely 40 or 47,” mentioned Shakur about what weight he expects to finish up in his profession. “I used to suppose I’d get to 54. I ain’t grown in a minute. I’ve been slowing my development spurt.”
Mason has been stealing the reveals, combating on Shakur’s undercards, and making him and Keyshawn Davis look dangerous with their performances.
