Shakur Stevenson claims opponents are now using his name for publicity rather than seeking genuine fights. The WBO champion’s new perspective follows key wins over William Zepeda and Teofimo Lopez, marking a rapid shift from his former role as a challenger.
For years, Stevenson argued that boxing’s biggest names avoided difficult opponents. He consistently called for bouts with top-tier fighters, insisting the best should fight the best. Now, his outlook has changed. Speaking on Andre Ward’s YouTube channel, Stevenson explained his view on his recent rise. “I really think like I slowly became an overnight success,” he stated.
He then described how his status has altered the dynamic with potential rivals. “And in that moment, that’s when the tables turned. After the Teo fight, now everybody kind of wants to clout chase my name because they don’t really want to sign the contracts and make the fights happen.” This language, focused on business sense and contract issues, mirrors the A-side mentality he once criticised. The transformation is notable for its speed, seemingly occurring after just two marquee victories.
Stevenson’s claim that fighters are not serious about facing him is countered by public interest from several notable boxers. Devin Haney has remained a potential opponent despite disagreements over weight. Ernesto Mercado has repeatedly campaigned for a fight, and Conor Benn confronted Stevenson in the ring after his win over Lopez. Even Ryan Garcia has mentioned Stevenson as a possible opponent. This suggests that while negotiations are complex, there is genuine interest in fighting the champion.
The situation reflects a common trend in modern boxing, where stars become more selective as their paydays and profiles increase. This often leads to reduced activity and prolonged negotiations, a source of frustration for many fans. It stands in contrast to former champions like Roberto Duran or Sugar Ray Robinson, who built their legacies on frequent activity against the best available competition. While Stevenson is not avoiding opponents, his comments indicate he is already thinking like one of boxing’s established attractions.
