WBC Lightweight Champion Shakur Stevenson has shockingly announced his retirement from boxing, although there are few that believe the sincerity of his statement, with Oscar De La Hoya quick to respond to Stevenson’s declaration.
Stevenson outpointed Edwin De Los Santos back in November to become a three-division world champion, but despite his success, the victory was heavily criticized for a lack of action and broke unwanted punch records as a result.
The 26-year-old has yet to fight since and unlike many of his rivals, he is not being linked to any potential bouts, likely a consequence of the tough-to-watch contest last time out, which some believe has had a direct negative impact on Stevenson as a draw.
On social media, Stevenson showed his frustration by announcing his ‘retirement’, although there are very few fans that believe him.
I’m officially retiring from the sport of boxing I’ll be in the gym forever perfecting my craft and helping the next generation become great and chase they dreams but I ain’t fw this weak boxing game 💪🏾
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) January 30, 2024
“I’m officially retiring from the sport of boxing, I’ll be in the gym forever perfecting my craft and helping the next generation become great and chase their dreams, but I ain’t f***ing with this weak boxing game.”
Golden Boy Promoter and six-division champion, Oscar De La Hoya, also appeared to doubt Stevenson’s revelation, ordering him to vacate the title if he is seriously retiring.
Congratulations on what you accomplished @ShakurStevenson now time to vacate the title. Really enjoyed your career.
— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) January 30, 2024
“Congratulations on what you accomplished @ShakurStevenson, now time to vacate the title. Really enjoyed your career.”
De La Hoya promotes William Zepeda who is ranked number three in the WBC rankings, meaning he would be well poised to challenge for a vacant title if Stevenson walked away from the sport.
However, it seems that Zepeda is preferring the IBF or WBA route, after news that he will face Maxi Hughes in an eliminator for an eventual title shot against the winner of George Kambosos vs. Vasyl Lomachenko, or Gervonta Davis.