The legendary promoter Bob Arum announced the imminent fight of his American ward Shakur Stevenson (19-0, 9 KOs) for one of the lightweight titles (up to 61.2 kg).
Recall that Shakur was already world champion in the featherweight and second featherweight divisions. And he will try to conquer the third category after the current absolute champion Devin Haney will fight against Vasily Lomachenko and move to the next weight.
This is Arum’s plan, according to the logic of which Haney, apparently, should defeat Lomachenko and after that leave the titles vacant.
“Hopefully we can put him in a position where he is ready for a lightweight title fight because Haney will move up to light welterweight right after the Lomachenko fight and that will open up lightweight for Shakur,” Arum said.
“Stevenson is a huge talent. There are a lot of incredibly talented guys in our sport now,” Bob emphasized. “Such great athletes come to us. Good young people who do not abuse their position. Shakur is a big talent and has already built up a huge following in his hometown of Newark, which is across the river from New York. … He will be back in March and I can’t wait to be there.”
Meanwhile, Shakur himself is leaning towards a fight with Lomachenko’s victim.
A source:
Boxing Social