Shakur Stevenson won a world title in a third division this month, but somewhat underwhelmed when doing so.
The Newark native beat Edwin De Los Santos over the distance to win the vacant WBC lightweight belt.
Stevenson – known for his slick skills and impressive defence – opted for movement over engagement, drawing boos from the Las Vegas crowd.
Post-fight, he admitted it was below-par.
“I had a bad performance tonight, that’s all I’m focused on. I wasn’t feeling too good. I’ll live with it, it’s okay. I came here, got the victory, and that’s all I wanted to do.”
“Wasn’t 100 percent tonight no excuses but anybody with two eyes know the real but look… One day they with you next day they hate. I love it. 21-0. See y’all next time out. Oh yeah if you don’t wanna watch don’t f***ing watch. Y’all can’t break me and a bad night don’t make me.”
Devin Haney – the man who held the title before the WBC made him Champion In Recess when he decided to move up and fight as a super-lightweight – was quick to offer his verdict.
In doing so, he cast up a debate about a 25% offer for Stevenson back when he was undisputed.
“Should’ve offered this bum 10% I was being too generous!”
“Stop that scared narrative… nobody was ever scared of that bum! He wanted clout!! That’s all they use my name for.”
Should’ve offered this Bum 10% I was being too generous!
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) November 17, 2023
Stop that scared narrative.. nobody was ever scared of that bum! He wanted clout!! That’s all they use my name for
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) November 17, 2023
Another talented lightweight, Gervonta Davis, then entered the chat. Widely regarded as the money man of the division, he said that 10% was what he would give unified champion Haney.
“That’s what I’m offering you, son son.”
The potential fights that can be staged between the trio are some of the best the sport has to offer. As things stand, Stevenson and Davis are closer to making that happen than either with Haney.