Shakur Stevenson says he’s a “diamond” and he’s going to shine against Teofimo Lopez on January 31st. He wants to make WBO light welterweight champion Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) see what “level” he’s on.
Business-Mode Stevenson
Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) says he’s focused at this stage of his career on making “business” decisions. Moving up to 140 to challenge Teofimo is part of his new business-oriented approach.
Shakur states that “when he’s victorious, he’s going to decide whether to return to 135, remain at 140, or move up to 147. Whatever makes the most sense financially.
“I’m a diamond. I’ve been shining my whole career. I’m not going to stop now,” said Shakur Stevenson to the media after today’s press conference with WBO 140-lb champion Teofimo Lopez. “A lot of things they sleep on is my power. A lot of people say I can’t crack.”
Has Shakur Fought Elite Yet?
Stevenson hasn’t fought good enough opposition to label himself a “diamond.” He’s fighting guys like Josh Padley and hasn’t fought the top-rung level guys at 126, 130, and 135. When he was at 126, he never fought Rafael Espinoza. At 135, Shakur was untested. So, the “diamond” label he’s given to himself makes him sound pretentious.
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for years to show who I really am. Shout out to Teo. We’ll see,” said Stevenson when asked if he’ll return to lightweight after the Lopez fight.
It would be nice if Shakur had the same attitude about some of the fighters at 135 who have been calling him out. Teofimo’s popularity, large fanbase, and occasional erratic behavior are likely what appeal to Stevenson the most.
“At this point in my career, I’m focused on the best business. Whatever makes the most sense to me, and that’s going to push us forward,” said Shakur when asked about Turki Alalshikh, saying there’s a big fight in the spring for the winner of his clash with Teofimo.
Like a lot of fighters who get their first taste of big money, Stevenson is now directing his career toward the biggest purses rather than on taking compelling fights against notable but not necessarily star-level fighters.
That could explain why Shakur has shown no interest in fighting O’Shaquie Foster. Of course, estimating whether he can win the fight is obviously a factor as well. His interest in fighting Lamont Roach, a fighter who isn’t any more popular than Foster, suggests that he’s cunning with the fighters he chooses. Roach isn’t a star, but he is vulnerable, as we saw in his fight against Isaac Cruz, loss to Jamel Herring, and his near defeat against Hector Luis Garcia.
The Race-Card Concern
“He talks crazy about black people. He talks crazy about Puerto Ricans. He’s going to pay for it on January 31st,” said Shakur about Teofimo. “It’s time to show what the level is. I don’t think he realizes what the level is. So, I can’t wait to show him.”
Hopefully, Stevenson doesn’t play the race card during the promotion for this fight. That’s a negative way to create interest by playing that angle, calling Teo racist, and playing himself off as a race avenger. Not only would that look bad, but if Shakur loses, it’s going to be worse for him.
Last Updated on 12/10/2025
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