Shakur Stevenson reveals he got a pre-fight call from a boxing icon after the masterclass win against Teofimo Lopez | International Sports News – The Times of India
Shakur Stevenson disclosed that he received a call from boxing royalty just moments before walking out to fight Teofimo Lopez. Stevenson dominated Lopez over 12 rounds inside New York’s renowned Madison Square Garden to win the WBO super-lightweight world title. The undefeated American is now a four-division champion and is already being compared to legendary fighters like Floyd Mayweather. Mayweather is a mentor of Stevenson’s and even called the 28-year-old before the MSG masterclass.Stevenson stated, dismissing comparisons, “I’m the first Shakur Stevenson, but Floyd Mayweather’s my guy. He called me right before the fight.“He always texts me. He told me that he was proud of me before the fight happened.“Floyd is my family; I got a lot of love for Floyd, but I’m the first Shakur Stevenson.”
Shakur Stevenson calls out Britain’s Conor Benn for a bout
Shakur Stevenson started his career in the 126 lb featherweight division and has now advanced to the 140-pound category to win titles. He called out Britain’s Conor Benn in the aftermath of his decisive victory against 28-year-old Teofimo Lopez, setting up a face-off in the ring. Conor Benn, 29, twice fought Chris Eubank Jr., 36, at the 160 lb middleweight division last year. He lost in April but won the rematch in November.However, on both occasions, the two born rivals agreed to a 10 lb rehydration clause, which Stevenson has insisted Benn comply with if they fight. Benn has vowed to drop back down to welterweight, where he hasn’t competed in three years. “If he’s not going to agree, then we probably won’t fight. So he’s just wasting time. We’ll see.“But, I’m a businessman at the end of the day, like I say, he did a rehydration clause with Chris Eubank when Chris Eubank was in the ring half dead.”He is in talks about confronting WBA champion Rolly Romero, 30, while eyeing a mega-fight with Ryan Garcia, 27, also this year.Conor Benn said, as he ran on a treadmill, “Shakur, Wembley, locked in. Be ready. You want the rehydration clause; you have to pay.”Benn is also open to the fight with Stevenson, including the rehydration clause, but it will come at a price, as he stated.