Lightweight star Shakur Stevenson’s reputation appears to be growing by the fight, with the 26-year-old looking more impressive and adding more nuances to his game each time he steps into the ring.
One of the attributes the Newark southpaw gets praised for most his ring IQ, and he is already regarded amongst the most intelligent fighters in the sport despite his relatively young age.
Stevenson has now revealed who he believes is the smartest fighter to ever lace up a pair of gloves – and his answer may not come as much of a surprise.
On a recent episode of Million Dollaz Worth Of Game, the former Olympic silver medalist bestowed that particular accolade to the legendary Floyd Mayweather.
“Floyd is probably the smartest fighter that I’ve ever seen in the history of boxing.”
There’s not many who would disagree Mayweather is up there, especially given his often impeccable defence. In fact, it’s something Stevenson wants to emulate.
“My grandfather always taught me the art of boxing is to hit and not get hit. So the way I was brought up I always knew I want to be able to hit a fighter and not let them hit me back. I trained myself every day to make sure that’s how my style was, and if I’m doing that I know I’m the best fighter in the world.”
Mayweather – the self proclaimed ‘Best Ever’ – never tasted defeat in his 50-fight career, and boasts wins over the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
Though Stevenson has some way to go to holding a resume to rival that of his iconic countryman, many observers do believe that he too will go down as a hall of famer when all is said and done.
He is already a two-weight world champion, and many believe it is a mere formality that he will add a belt at lightweight to those he has already accumulated at feather and super feather.
That 135lbs title opportunity looks set to come this November, with a deal reportedly agreed for Stevenson to face Dominican contender Edwin De Los Santos for the vacant WBC strap, previously held by Devin Haney.