“As a fighter, he’s levels below. Like levels below. Levels like more than one level. It ain’t even a close debate to even talk about. Nah, he’s levels below,” said Shakur on Andre Ward’s YouTube channel.
Stevenson acknowledged that Benn has improved in recent years but believes the gap remains significant.
“What I will say about Conor Benn, he’s very focused and he is getting better. He’s not just staying in the same spot. I see him kind of getting better. But when you at this level and somebody at this level, you kind of like getting a little bit better, but it ain’t going to happen,” said Shakur.
When asked what separates them, Stevenson pointed to what he sees as a lack of experience and understanding of the sport.
“He don’t know enough. It’s not a lot of things that he know that I know,” said Shakur about Conor.
Stevenson also questioned Benn’s standing in the sport despite the money he has earned during his career.
“I think Conor Benn is a hell of a businessman. He’s a low-level fighter that’s making top-tier level money,” said Shakur.
Benn’s recent opposition has included Peter Dobson, Rodolfo Orozco, former WBA junior welterweight champion Regis Prograis, and Chris Eubank Jr. His victories over Prograis and Eubank came against opponents who were 37 and 35 years old, respectively.
The two fighters have been linked to a possible future bout since Benn entered the ring following Stevenson’s victory over Teofimo Lopez earlier this year. Stevenson revealed that his side reached out about making the fight but said he was told that Benn’s team was not interested.
Shakur currently holds the WBO light welterweight title, while Benn continues campaigning at welterweight. No fight between the two has been announced.
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