Shakur Stevenson will aim to defend his WBC World Lightweight title on February 22nd but will not be receiving any challenges from one fighter anytime soon.
Claiming his lightweight title in November of 2023, Stevenson will aim to defend his belt for the second time when he faces Floyd Schofield Jr.
Scholfield Jr. claimed he has dropped Devin Haney in sparring and is brewing with confidence despite his inexperience. Aged just 22, Schofield currently holds a record of 18-0, having made his debut in 2020.
The young fighter is just one of many undefeated prospects in the lightweight division. However, Stevenson will not have to prepare to fight one man, who says he will never step in the ring with the champion.
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Shakur Stevenson not a future opponent for Keyshawn Davis
Keyshawn Davis has said that he has no interest in a future fight with Stevenson.
Despite the two sharing the same weight class, and Davis fighting for the WBO title in February, a personal connection between the two means they will not compete.
Davis told Ring Magazine, “I’m never, ever, ever, fighting Shakur [Stevenson].”
When saying why he wouldn’t fight Stevenson, Davis spoke about their close relationship.
“Just this weekend, him and his entire family were over at my house… Bro, it’s family.”
Davis would also add that it “wouldn’t feel right” to fight Stevenson and that the fighter was “there for me in my worst times.”
Explaining how Stevenson helped him through his mental health struggles, Davis said that the current champion would constantly check up on him and provide advice.
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No love lost between Shakur Stevenson and Floyd Schofield Jr.
Although Davis holds admiration and respect for Stevenson, the same cannot be said about Schofield.
The two have had some tensions between one another in the lead-up to their February 22nd bout. This includes Stevenson firing a warning to Schofield Jr. ahead of their bout.
Schofield also said in recent weeks that Stevenson does pose a significant threat to him.
After Schofield Jr. was not in attendance for the pre-fight press conference, Stevenson began joking that the title challenger may withdraw from the fight.
Responding to these comments to MillCity Boxing, Scholfield Jr. disregarded the remarks.
“[Pull out] for what? He doesn’t bring anything to the table to [make me] back out of a fight. You know, that’s Shakur, he’s always going to have something smart to say.”
“Hopefully he keeps the same energy February 22nd.”
Schofield Jr. also confirmed that he had no intention to withdraw from his title challenge in Saudi Arabia.