Sometimes, it’s fun being Shakur Stevenson. He’s already made generational money in a short amount of time, he’s a two-division champ and has the sort of skills that you simply can’t teach.
Those are some of the great things that come with being the former Olympic silver medalist. But while there’s a ton to love about his life, there is a downside.
His slick defense and ubiquitous offense may have pushed his record to a perfect one through 20 fights but, at least according to the former unified titlist, the rest of the lightweight division’s best is staying away from him. Well, except for Frank Martin.
BoxingScene.com confirmed that both sides have been quietly negotiating terms to a deal. Although a date isn’t official, the pair have agreed to virtually everything.
All smiles, Stevenson is happy to be facing one of the more recognizable names around.
“It’s gonna be a good fight,” Stevenson told ESNEWS during a recent interview.
Martin could use a bit of a pick-me-up. Just a few short months ago, the 28-year-old did the exact opposite of what most were expecting.
Against Artem Harutyunyan, Martin just couldn’t find his rhythm. His defense was leaky, his offense was innocuous but his second-half aggression saved the day. It wasn’t his best performance, but that isn’t stopping him from stepping into the ring with Stevenson next.
If you ask Martin, he views himself as one of the best lightweights in the world. Meaning, he can look eye to eye with Stevenson on any day of the week.
To the 26-year-old, Martin is wrong on so many levels. And, once a formal date is revealed for their showdown which will have the vacant WBC title on the line, Stevenson will show not only Martin, but the rest of his naysayers, exactly what he’s talking about.
“Obviously it’s level so we’re gonna get to see. I can’t wait to show the world who I am.”