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Shakur Stevenson has rejected the proposed phrases for one explicit battle, doubtlessly distancing himself from a number of of his most profitable choices.
The 28-year-old is coming off arguably a career-best efficiency in opposition to Teofimo Lopez, claiming his WBO super-lightweight title with a dominant factors victory in January.
In doing so, Stevenson not solely turned a four-division world champion but additionally cemented himself as a prime 5 pound-for-pound operator, alongside the likes of Oleksandr Usyk and Naoya Inoue.
Due to this, although, many have questioned whether or not the slick southpaw will ever be crushed, suggesting {that a} transfer as much as 147lbs may very well be his solely hope at discovering a worthy problem. Stevenson has stated not too long ago that he would do it as long as any opponent would signal a 10lbs rehydration clause.
If he decides to do exactly that, then most would regard WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney as his hardest check, although Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn have additionally been talked about as doable choices.
Instantly after his victory over Lopez, Stevenson got here head to head with Benn, whereas Garcia referred to as out the American following his WBC title overcome Mario Barrios earlier this month.
For each potential fights, Stevenson has demanded a 144lb catchweight restrict, to which Garcia verbally agreed forward of his showdown with Barrios.
Since then, although, the 27-year-old’s father and coach, Henry Garcia, has insisted that Stevenson should come as much as 147lbs, however the super-lightweight champion has instructed ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT that that is strictly out of the query.
“I feel [Garcia is] severe. I feel he [does] need the battle. I simply suppose that all the pieces gotta work nicely within the enterprise, all the pieces gotta make sense.
“Earlier than the [Barrios] battle, I heard them saying they’ll battle me at 144[lbs]. Then, after the battle, I’m listening to 147[lbs].
“I’m not going as much as 147 no time quickly. I feel that shall be my final weight class that I’m in. I don’t suppose that, at 28 years outdated proper now, I’m simply going [to go] as much as 147.”
Benn has not commented on a doable 144lb catchweight however, given that he’s going through Regis Prograis at 150lbs on April 11, it could appear that, for him, such a request is hardly value contemplating.
If Stevenson is lifeless set in opposition to a full transfer to welterweight, it can additionally possible rule out a battle with Devin Haney, who has stated he felt ‘a shell of himself’ at weights decrease.
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