Naoya Inoue, Oleksandr Usyk, Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez are amongst the names banded about when discussions on who the best fighter in boxing is.
However, one of the sport’s young prodigal talents believes he already has that accolade, despite perhaps not yet boasting a resume of similar depth to the names mentioned above.
Lightweight contender Shakur Stevenson told SayCheese that he believes he stands above everyone else when it comes to ability.
“I know what type of level I’m on.
I’m on a high level of boxing, I’m one of the best fighters in the sport of boxing – I feel like I’m THE best fighter in the sport of boxing. That’s how I feel about myself.”
Aged just 25, Stevenson is already a two weight world champion, having collected straps at featherweight and super feather in double quick time.
He announced his arrival to the 135lbs division in impressive fashion last month, dominating tough Japanese opponent Shuichiro Yoshino from the first bell, right up until referee Allen Huggins waved the contest off in the sixth round.
With his defensive capabilities never in question, the Newark native appears to have added power and spite to his game in recent performances and is quickly starting to look like one of the most complete complete pugilistic practitioners around.
Stevenson took to the ring following Devin Haney’s win over Vasiliy Lomachenko last weekend, and has made no secret of the fact he wants a shot at the undisputed lightweight crown held by Haney next.
Like the rest of the division, however, Stevenson will have to wait and see whether or not ‘The Dream’ even stays at the weight, or moves up to light welterweight, which would see the titles fragment.