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Shakur Stevenson unification fight back on the table as world champion says ‘I ain’t ducking’

is in the thick of negotiations for an all-American clash which, until recently, appeared to be dead in the water. The pound-for-pound star is coming off a wide unanimous decision victory over Teofimo Lopez, who he dethroned to become a…

By Oscar Pick · Boxing News Online

Published: Friday, 2 October 2026 at 10:51 PM

Key Things to Know

Shakur Stevenson has resumed negotiations for a super-lightweight world title unification fight against Gary Antuanne Russell.
WBA champion Gary Antuanne Russell denied ducking Stevenson, arguing on social media that he received lowball offers.
Stevenson's proposed bout against Manny Pacquiao on the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua undercard is reportedly off.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Shakur Stevenson has reopened negotiations for a super-lightweight unification bout against WBA champion Gary Antuanne Russell. The matchup resurfaced after Stevenson's reported plans to face Manny Pacquiao on December 11 in Cardiff fell through. Stevenson is seeking his next opponent after signing a promotional contract with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing.

Russell responded to claims that he was avoiding the fight by stating on social media that he was lowballed financially. Russell claimed that Stevenson knows he is not ducking, while Stevenson has previously referred to Russell as a "real one" as negotiations continue.

Read the full article on Boxing News Online

Shakur Stevenson unification fight back on the table as world champion says ‘I ain’t ducking’

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