Shakur Stevenson doesn’t believe he’s a cocky individual but his words are often laced with hubris.
A second-place finish in the 2016 Olympics didn’t stop him from running through everyone in the pros. Technically, with only 20 fights under his belt, Stevenson is supposed to be going through his growing pains – learning and adapting as he works his way to a title shot. Stevenson though, isn’t your typical 26-year-old.
It didn’t take long for him to become the man in two separate weight divisions. In the eyes of many, Stevenson is now viewed as a pound-for-pound star and has the makings of a future Hall of Famer.
Worldwide respect from his peers and fans is all Stevenson wants. As he prepares for his new journey in the lightweight division, Brick City’s finest doesn’t appreciate anyone who doesn’t have him number one on their rankings. Although the 135-pound landscape is loaded with killers, most notably Gervonta Davis, no matter who is placed in front of him, Stevenson believes he isn’t a walk in the park for anyone.
“Me at my best is hard to deal with for anybody,” Stevenson told Top Rank.
Edwin De Los Santos is hoping that Stevenson can back up every audacious word he’s uttered over the past few months.
This Thursday, November 16th, the two will officially get it on. While the talented Dominican is confident that Stevenson’s hype train will make a permanent stop come fight night, Stevenson isn’t unnerved by his highlight knockout reels.
From the beginning, Stevenson has always been the type of fighter who enjoys hitting his opponents while simultaneously making them grasp at air. Defense is the main name of his game. But as of late, something has come over him. With De Los Santos possessing the sort of power that can leave a man unconscious, Stevenson wants to see if he’s all talk or if he actually can provide him with the type of fight he’s been looking for.
“Let’s get it banging.”