Shakur Stevenson
Stevenson at the 2016 Olympics
Born
Ash-Shakur Nafi-Shahid Stevenson

(1997-06-28) June 28, 1997
Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Other namesSugar
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)[1]
Reach68 in (173 cm)[1]
StanceSouthpaw
Boxing record
Total fights21
Wins21
Wins by KO10
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing  United States
Olympic Games
Silver medal – second place2016 Rio de JaneiroBantamweight
Youth Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place2014 NanjingFlyweight
Youth World Championships
Gold medal – first place2014 SofiaFlyweight

Ash-Shakur Nafi-Shahid Stevenson (born June 28, 1997) is an American professional boxer. He has held multiple world championships in three weight classes from featherweight to lightweight, including unified and lineal titles at super featherweight. As an amateur, he represented the United States at the 2016 Summer Olympics, winning a silver medal in the bantamweight division. As of November 2023, he is ranked as the world's third best active lightweight by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board[2] and BoxRec,[3] fourth by ESPN,[4] and fifth by The Ring magazine.[5]

Amateur career

Stevenson had a very successful career at the Youth Level, winning the 2014 AIBA Youth World Championships and 2014 Summer Youth Olympics. In 2015, aged 18, he won the Senior U.S. Olympic Trials, thus qualifying for the U.S. boxing team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.[6] In Rio, Stevenson won a silver medal, losing to Robeisy Ramírez of Cuba in the gold medal match. He was the highest-medaling male boxer for the United States – Claressa Shields won gold for the U.S. women's team.

Professional career

Featherweight

Early career

Stevenson turned professional on February 9, 2017, signing a promotional contract with Top Rank.[7][8] He signed Andre Ward as his manager.[9]

Promoter Bob Arum told Ringtv that Stevenson would likely make his debut on a stacked card at the StubHub Center in Carson, California on April 22, 2017.[10] Stevenson showed off his quickness, defense and punching skills as he won his first professional fight against American boxer Edgar Brito. Stevenson won via fifth round technical decision. Brito was cut on the left eye after an accidental headbutt in round 2. In round 3, he was deducted a point for intentionally headbutting Stevenson. From his own intentional headbutts, Brito suffered a cut over his right eye. The ringside physician stopped the bout. Stevenson was ahead on all three judges scorecards and won every round.[11][12]

In an official press release on May 3, it was confirmed that Stevenson would make his Madison Square Garden debut on undercard of the Terence Crawford vs. Félix Díaz world light welterweight championship fight on May 20, 2017. His opponent was announced as Argentine boxer Carlos Suarez (6-3-2, 1 KO).[13] Stevenson won the bout after 2 minutes and 35 seconds of the first round. Suarez was knocked down before the stoppage.[14] Stevenson's third bout took place at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, again on the undercard of Terrence Crawford, this time his unification fight against Julius Indongo on August 19, 2017. Stevenson fought his second straight Argentine opponent, David Michel Paz (4-3) in a scheduled six-round fight. Stevenson easily outpointed Paz over 6 rounds winning 60–53 on all three scorecards. In round 5, Paz was knocked down following a straight left. Stevenson seemed comfortable and patient in letting the fight go the distance.[15] On November 20, Top Rank confirmed 26-year-old Mexican Oscar Mendoza (4-2, 2 KOs) as Stevenson's opponent, which would take place on the undercard of Vasyl Lomachenko vs. Guillermo Rigondeaux on December 9, 2017, at the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City, New York.[16]

Stevenson's first fight for 2018 was announced on February 7 to take place at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino's Grand Theater in Reno, Nevada on February 16 against Juan Tapia (8-1, 3 KOs) in a scheduled 8 round bout.[17] Stevenson easily outpointed Tapia, winning 80–72 on all three judges' scorecards. Stevenson showed defensive improvements in the fight, boxed with his jab and worked to the body. He used the distance well, allowing Tapia to land only one punch at a time.[18]

Stevenson vs. Gonzalez

Stevenson continued his winning streak, compiling a perfect record of 12-0 before facing Joet Gonzalez for the vacant WBO featherweight title on October 26, 2019. Gonzalez was ranked #2 by the WBO at featherweight.[19] The two men had a long-running feud, due to the fact that Stevenson's girlfriend of the past three years had been Gonzalez's younger sister, Jajaira. Gonzalez and his father openly disapproved of the relationship and of Stevenson.[20] On the night, Stevenson outboxed his opponent, winning a unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the bout 119–109 in his favor. After the final bell, Stevenson attempted to reconcile with Gonzalez without success, saying, "I told him he's a helluva fighter. He didn't really want to talk to me, but it is what it is."[21] On July 9, 2020, Stevenson vacated his WBO title without making a single title defense, as he had moved up to the super featherweight division.[22]

Move up to Super-Featherweight

Stevenson vs. Clary

On December 12, 2020, Stevenson fought Toka Khan Clary. Stevenson defeated Clary convincingly, winning the fight by a wide margin on the scorecards, with all three judges scoring the contest 100–90 in his favor.[23]

Stevenson vs. Nakathila

After improving to 15–0, Stevenson knocked Jeremiah Nakathila down with a check hook in the fourth round of their fight, en route to a shutout unanimous decision victory on June 12, 2021, in Las Vegas to win the vacant WBO interim junior lightweight title.[24][25] Nakathila was ranked #2 by the WBO at super featherweight.[26] The bout attracted criticism from pundits and analysts, citing the low number of punches thrown by either man leading to a lack of action. So few meaningful punches were thrown that the ESPN commentators Joe Tessitore, Tim Bradley and Andre Ward who were calling the fight criticized Stevenson during the live broadcast of the fight.[27]

WBO Super-Featherweight Champion

Stevenson vs. Herring

On October 23, 2021, Stevenson faced WBO junior lightweight champion Jamel Herring at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. With a one-sided performance that saw Stevenson use remarkable hand speed, he became a two-division world champion when he defeated Herring via tenth-round technical knockout after being ahead on all three judges' scorecards. In the aftermath of his victory, Stevenson proclaimed, "I want to be a superstar in the sport; I'm here to last.".[28]

Unified Super-Featherweight Champion

Stevenson vs. Valdez

On January 16, 2022, there were negotiations that Stevenson would have a unification bout with WBC champion Óscar Valdez. 3 days later, the fight was confirmed for April 30 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada. Stevenson dominated using his jab and footwork to outland and outwork Valdez, even scoring a knockdown in Round 6. Stevenson won by unanimous decision with scores of 117–110, 118–109 and 118–110. In doing so, Stevenson unified the WBC and vacant The Ring super featherweight titles with his WBO super featherweight belt. In the post fight interview, he said he had beat the Canelo team and opened up a potential fight with WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney.[29] The fight drew in an average of 1,353,000 viewers on ESPN and peaked at 1,440,000.[30]

Stevenson vs. Conceicão

Stevenson's first championship defense as a unified super featherweight titlist was scheduled against the one-time WBC title challenger Robson Conceição. The fight headlined an ESPN broadcast card, which took place on September 23, 2022, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.[31] He entered the bout as a significant favorite, with most bookmakers having him at -1800 odds to win the fight.[32] Stevenson missed weight by 1.6 lbs at the official weigh-ins leading to him being stripped of his WBC and WBO titles.[33][34] In front of an audience of 10,107, Stevenson won the fight by unanimous decision, with two scorecards of 117–109 and one scorecard of 118–108. He was deducted a point in the ninth round for tossing Conceicão to the canvas. During the post fight interview, Stevenson announced his move to lightweight, citing his inability to make the junior lightweight limit.[35] The fight drew a peak audience of 1,150,000 and averaged 1,097,000 viewers.[36]

Move up to Lightweight

Stevenson vs. Yoshino

On November 9, 2022, the WBC ordered Isaac Cruz to face Stevenson in a lightweight title eliminator.[37] As Cruz refused to enter into negotiations,[38] the WBC ordered William Zepeda to face Stevenson instead, as the next highest ranked contender.[39] Zepeda likewise passed on the fight,[40] as did the former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr.[41] The order was finally accepted by Shuichiro Yoshino on January 11, 2023.[42] Stevenson was booked to face Yoshino on April 8, 2023, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.[43] He won the fight by sixth-round technical knockout.[44] Stevenson landed 50% of his total punches (123 of 245) and 60% of his power shots (104 of 174), while Yoshino was only able to land a total of 36 total punches.[45]

WBC Lightweight Champion

Stevenson vs De Los Santos

On August 26, 2023, the WBC ordered Frank Martin to face the former two-weight world champion Stevenson for the vacant lightweight title.[46] As Martin later withdrew from the negotiations, Stevenson was instead ordered to face Edwin De Los Santos.[47][48] The championship bout took place on November 16, 2023, at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.[49] Stevenson won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 115–113, 116–112, and 116–112.[50] The fight set a CompuBox record for the least amount of punches thrown in a twelve-round contest, with neither fighter landing a double digit number of strikes in any of the rounds.[51]

Personal life

A native of Newark, New Jersey, Stevenson is the oldest of nine siblings, born to his mother Malikah Stevenson and raised by his stepfather Shahid Guyton. Stevenson's biological father, who was of Puerto Rican descent was not a part of Shakur's life. He took up boxing at age five under his grandfather Wali Moses and cites Andre Ward as his influence.[52][53][54][55]

According to a police report, Stevenson and fellow boxer, David Grayton, were involved in an altercation in a South Beach parking garage. The two fighters made comments to a group of people in a parking garage.[56] Stevenson was arrested on July 1, 2018, and charged with misdemeanor assault. On June 18, 2019, Stevenson agreed to a deal where the charges would be dropped after one year of probation and 50 hours of community service. He had already paid the victims' medical expenses.[57]

Stevenson has a daughter born in 2021.[58] He is engaged to Michelle Ragston, a rapper and singer who performs under the name "Young Lyric".[58]

On November 1, 2022 Stevenson was a witness to the shooting and death of rapper Takeoff just inches away from him.

Professional boxing record

21 fights 21 wins 0 losses
By knockout 10 0
By decision 11 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
21 Win 21–0 Edwin De Los Santos UD 12 Nov 16, 2023 T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Won vacant WBC lightweight title
20 Win 20–0 Shuichiro Yoshino TKO 6 (12) 1:35 Apr 8, 2023 Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
19 Win 19–0 Robson Conceição UD 12 Sep 23, 2022 Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, U.S. WBC, WBO, and The Ring super featherweight titles at stake;
only for Conceição as Stevenson missed weight
18 Win 18–0 Óscar Valdez UD 12 Apr 30, 2022 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBO super featherweight title;
Won WBC and vacant The Ring super featherweight titles
17 Win 17–0 Jamel Herring TKO 10 (12), 1:30 Oct 23, 2021 State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. Won WBO super featherweight title
16 Win 16–0 Jeremiah Nakathila UD 12 Jun 12, 2021 Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Won vacant WBO interim super featherweight title
15 Win 15–0 Toka Khan Clary UD 10 Dec 12, 2020 MGM Grand Conference Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
14 Win 14–0 Felix Caraballo KO 6 (10), 1:31 Jun 9, 2020 MGM Grand Conference Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
13 Win 13–0 Joet Gonzalez UD 12 Oct 26, 2019 Sparks Convention Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S. Won vacant WBO featherweight title
12 Win 12–0 Alberto Guevara KO 3 (10), 2:37 Jul 13, 2019 Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, U.S. Retained WBO-NABO featherweight title
11 Win 11–0 Christopher Diaz UD 10 Apr 20, 2019 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained IBF Inter-Continental featherweight title;
Won vacant WBO-NABO featherweight title
10 Win 10–0 Jessie Cris Rosales TKO 4 (10), 1:29 Jan 18, 2019 Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, New York, U.S. Won vacant IBF Inter-Continental and WBC Continental Americas featherweight titles
9 Win 9–0 Viorel Simion TKO 1 (10), 3:00 Oct 13, 2018 CHI Health Center, Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Carlos Ruiz UD 8 Aug 18, 2018 Ocean Resort Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Aelio Mesquita TKO 2 (8), 1:45 Jun 9, 2018 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Roxberg Patrick Riley TKO 2 (8), 1:35 Apr 28, 2018 Liacouras Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Juan Tapia UD 8 Feb 16, 2018 Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, Nevada, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Oscar Mendoza TKO 2 (6), 1:38 Dec 9, 2017 The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 David Michel Paz UD 6 Aug 19, 2017 Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Carlos Gaston Suarez TKO 1 (6), 2:35 May 20, 2017 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Edgar Brito TD 6 (6), 3:00 Apr 22, 2017 Stubhub Center, Carson, California, U.S. Unanimous TD after Brito cut from accidental head clash

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Top Rank Boxing tale of the tape prior to the Óscar Valdez fight.
  2. ↑ "TBRB Rankings". Transnational Boxing Rankings Board. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  3. ↑ "BoxRec Lightweight Ratings". BoxRec. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  4. ↑ "Divisional rankings -- The best top 10 fighters per division". ESPN. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Ratings". The Ring. Archived from the original on February 3, 2009. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  6. ↑ "Newark boxer Shakur Stevenson qualifies for the 2016 U.S. Olympic team". NJ.com. December 13, 2015. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
  7. ↑ "Shakur Stevenson Inks Promotional Pact With Top Rank - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. February 9, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  8. ↑ "Top Rank signs Shakur Stevenson, plans to turn him pro in April - The Ring". The Ring. February 9, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  9. ↑ "Shakur Stevenson signs with Top Rank and hires Andre Ward - Boxing News". Boxing News. February 10, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  10. ↑ "Shakur Stevenson likely to make pro debut on April 22 in Carson - The Ring". The Ring. February 23, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  11. ↑ "Shakur Stevenson outclasses Edgar Brito in pro debut - The Ring". The Ring. April 22, 2017. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
  12. ↑ "Shakur Stevenson Makes Pro Debut, Beats Brito in Five Rounds - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. April 22, 2017. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
  13. ↑ "Shakur Stevenson Returns on Crawford vs. Diaz Card at MSG - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. May 3, 2017. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  14. ↑ "Shakur Stevenson Scores 1st-Round TKO at The Garden - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. May 20, 2017. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  15. ↑ "Shakur Stevenson Drops Paz, Wins Easy Decision, Moves to 3-0 - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. August 19, 2017. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
  16. ↑ "Shakur Stevenson vs. Oscar Mendoza on Dec.9 » Boxing News". Boxing News 24. November 20, 2017. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
  17. ↑ "Shakur Stevenson vs. Juan Tapia on February 16 in Reno". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  18. ↑ "Shakur Stevenson Picks Apart Tapia, Easily Wins Decision". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  19. ↑ "Stevenson vs Gonzalez - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  20. ↑ "Why Joet Gonzalez wants to beat up Shakur Stevenson, his sister's boyfriend". ESPN.com. October 24, 2019. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
  21. ↑ "Stevenson dominates Gonzalez to win vacant title". ESPN.com. October 27, 2019. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
  22. ↑ "Stevenson moving to 130, 'taking on all comers'". ESPN.com. July 9, 2020. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
  23. ↑ "Stevenson vs Clary - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  24. ↑ "WBO | Stevenson-Nakathila for vacant WBO Interim Junior Lightweight World title - WBO". www.wboboxing.com. June 11, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
  25. ↑ "Results and highlights: Shakur Stevenson cruises to shutout decision, wins interim WBO title". www.badlefthook.com. June 13, 2021. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  26. ↑ "Stevenson vs Nakathila - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  27. ↑ Woods, Michael (June 19, 2021). "Shakur Stevenson's win over Jeremiah Nakathila deserved criticism, proving styles sometimes don't make fights". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  28. ↑ "Stevenson stops Herring in 10th round". BBC Sport. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  29. ↑ Esco, Wil (May 1, 2022). "Valdez vs Stevenson highlights and results: Shakur Stevenson cruises past Oscar Valdez to unify WBC and WBO titles". badlefthook.com. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
  30. ↑ Idec, Keith (May 3, 2022). "Stevenson-Valdez Averaged 1,353,000 Viewers On ESPN; Audience Peaked At 1,440,000". boxingscene.com. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
  31. ↑ Donovan, Jake (June 25, 2022). "Shakur Stevenson-Robson Conceicao WBC Title Fight Set For September 23 In Newark". boxingscene.com. Retrieved July 17, 2022.
  32. ↑ Acedera, Shane (July 12, 2022). "Shakur Stevenson Massively Favored to Beat Robson Conceicao". thesportsgeek.com. Retrieved July 17, 2022.
  33. ↑ Songalia, Ryan (September 22, 2022). "Shakur Stevenson Misses Weight By 1.6 Pounds, Robson Conceicao Weighs In At 129.6". ringtv.com. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  34. ↑ Coppinger, Mike (September 22, 2022). "Shakur Stevenson misses weight, stripped of 130-pound titles ahead of Friday fight vs. Robson Conceicao". espn.com. Retrieved September 24, 2022.
  35. ↑ Songalia, Ryan (September 23, 2022). "Shakur Stevenson Dominates Robson Conceicao In Newark, Turns Attention To Lightweight Division". ringtv.com. Retrieved September 24, 2022.
  36. ↑ Idec, Keith (September 27, 2022). "Stevenson-Conceicao Fight Averaged 1,097,000 Viewers On ESPN, Peaked At 1,150,000". boxingscene.com. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
  37. ↑ Crose, Sean (November 9, 2022). "The WBC Orders Shakur Stevenson – Isaac Cruz Title Eliminator. But Will The Fight Get Made?". boxinginsider.com. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  38. ↑ Nam, Sean (November 24, 2022). "Shakur Stevenson Blasts Isaac Cruz: 'I Turn Pits Into Poodles'". boxingscene.com. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  39. ↑ Donovan, Jake (November 23, 2022). "Shakur Stevenson Eyes WBC Title Eliminator With William Zepeda". boxingscene.com. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  40. ↑ Crose, Sean (November 22, 2022). "Shakur Stevenson Tears Into Isaac Cruz And William Zepeda During Blistering Live Stream". boxinginsider.com. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  41. ↑ Donovan, Jake (December 14, 2022). "Shakur Stevenson Still In Search Of Foe For WBC Eliminator; Shuichiro Yoshino Next In Line". boxingscene.com. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  42. ↑ Coppinger, Mike (January 11, 2023). "Sources: Shakur Stevenson, Shuichiro Yoshino finalizing April 8 fight". espn.com. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  43. ↑ Idec, Keith (February 4, 2023). "Shakur Stevenson-Shuichiro Yoshino Announced For April 8 At Prudential Center In Newark". boxingscene.com. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  44. ↑ "【ボクシング】吉野修一郎が６回TKO負け、IBF世界ライト級挑戦権獲得ならず". nikkansports.com. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  45. ↑ Christ, Scott (April 9, 2023). "Stevenson vs Yoshino full fight video highlights and results: Shakur Stevenson dominates, stops Shuichiro Yoshino in sixth round". badlefthook.com. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  46. ↑ Murray, Jack. "Report: Shakur Stevenson vs. Frank Martin WBC Lightweight Title Fight Called Off". Bleacher Report. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  47. ↑ "Sources: De Los Santos steps in vs. Stevenson". ESPN.com. September 13, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  48. ↑ Nam, Sean (September 20, 2023). "Shakur Stevenson: Frank Martin Got Cold Feet; Don't Think He Wanted to Lose". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  49. ↑ Stumberg, Patrick L. (September 27, 2023). "Shakur Stevenson vs Edwin De Los Santos and Emanuel Navarrete vs Robson Conceicao official for November 16th". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  50. ↑ Christ, Scott (November 17, 2023). "No highlights! Shakur Stevenson wins decision over Edwin De Los Santos in dreadful fashion". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  51. ↑ Christ, Scott (November 17, 2023). "Historically boring: Shakur Stevenson and Edwin De Los Santos put on record-breaking snoozer". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  52. ↑ "Shakur Stevenson profile". Team USA. Archived from the original on August 18, 2014. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
  53. ↑ "MEET SHAKUR STEVENSON, AMERICA'S BEST MALE OLYMPIC FIGHTER IN MORE THAN A DECADE". Fightland. August 19, 2016. Retrieved August 20, 2016.
  54. ↑ "Welcome Newark's young Olympic medalist back this Sunday with a homecoming parade at Military Park – Brick City Live".
  55. ↑ "Welcome home, champ. N.J. Native captures boxing title and the heart of his city". December 9, 2019.
  56. ↑ Rafael, Dan (July 3, 2018). "Featherweight Stevenson charged with battery". ESPN. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  57. ↑ "Shakur Stevenson Reaches Deal in Assault Case, Charges Dropped". BoxingScene.com. June 18, 2019. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  58. 1 2 "Meet Young Lyric, Shakur Stevenson's fiancée after in-ring proposal". May 2, 2022.
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