Shakur Stevenson has offered to fill in for WBC 130lbs champion Miguel Berchelt and face Oscar Valdez in Las Vegas on December 12.
Berchelt withdrew from his mandatory title defence against fellow Mexican Valdez on Tuesday after testing positive for Covid-19, prompting the talented Stevenson to throw his hat into the ring.
Former WBO champion Stevenson (14-0, 8 KOs) recently stepped up to 130lbs where he is the No.1 contender for that organisation’s super-featherweight title, currently held by promotional stablemate Jamel Herring.
The New Jersey southpaw has asked his management to enquire about the possibility of stepping in to face Valdez, also a former WBO 126lbs champion, to save the Top Rank promotion.
“I’m not saying he’s scared or anything, but I don’t think he likes my style, I think my style is too much for him,” Stevenson told ESPN.com.
“I feel like right now it’s the perfect opportunity to fight him. Valdez has been in full training camp preparing for Berchelt, but I don’t think he should have to wait.
“I’ve been in the gym staying in shape, so five weeks is perfect for me.”
Valdez (28-0, 22 KOs) was ordered to defend his WBO featherweight crown against Stevenson in 2019, but opted to vacate to explore opportunities at the higher poundage.
Main image: Mikey Williams/Top Rank.