Shakur Stevenson claims he’s going to present his shut pal, Keyshawn Davis, the WBO gentle welterweight title after he defeats champion Teofimo Lopez.
A Title for a Buddy
“That’ll be his belt,” stated Shakur concerning the WBO title that he plans on giving to Keyshawn (13-0, 9 KOs) with out him having to earn it.
Shakur can’t simply give the WBO 140-lb title to Keyshawn if he captures it in opposition to Teofimo. The WBO title shouldn’t be like a heirloom or a memento memento that Shakur can hand to Keyshawn to make him a world champion at gentle welterweight.
For that concept to work, Shakur (24-0, 11 KOs) wants to barter the combat with Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) and work out a solution to defeat him. The method that Stevenson used to defeat William Zepeda, combating along with his again in opposition to the ropes for 12 rounds, could be dangerous in opposition to an enormous puncher like Teofimo.
Reverting to his low punch output, hit-and-not-get-hit fashion would make it tough for Shakur to win a choice, as Lopez could be touchdown the more durable, cleaner photographs.
Shakur’s Title Hand-Off Plan
“I’m going to beat Teo, get the title, and I’m going to vacate, and Keyshawn can get the belt. That’ll be his belt,” stated Shakur Stevenson to TheDivineHook about his plans to assist out his ‘Brother’ Keyshawn Davis win the WBO gentle welterweight belt with out having to compete for it in opposition to champion Teofimo Lopez.
Davis must be given the #1 rating with the WBO to place himself to combat for the title. Keyshawn petitioned the WBO on August 26, 2025, to put in him because the #1 contender forward of the present #1 Alfredo Santiago beneath gentle welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez.
The WBO would open itself as much as a lot criticism from followers if it have been to grant Keyshawn’s petition, as he was stripped of his WBO light-weight title when he weighed in over the 135-lb restrict at 139.3 for his title protection in opposition to Edwin De Los Santos on June 6, 2025. That combat was subsequently canceled because of Davis lacking weight.
For the WBO to present Keyshawn the #1 rating at 140 after being stripped, it might end in a backlash from followers. In my opinion, it might be a distinct story if Keyshawn had made weight and crushed De Los Santos. Because the WBO light-weight champion, Davis could be in a greater place to petition the sanctioning physique to put him forward of Santiago at #1 at 140.
“Teo says it’s taking place each time I discuss to him, however I don’t know what’s taking place behind the scenes. I’m unsure,” stated Stevenson when requested if his combat in opposition to Teofimo is occurring. So, each time I discuss to them, they are saying the combat hasn’t been made but. We’ll see. I talked to Teo personally, and he stated it’s going to occur, although.”
The Lamont Roach Various
Shakur stated his backup plan if he can’t get the Lopez combat is to face tremendous featherweight Lamont Roach Jr. He likes the thought of a technical boxing match in opposition to Roach at light-weight. Roach is coming off a controversial 12-round majority draw in opposition to WBA 135-lb champion Gervonta Davis on March 1, 2025.
“It’s provided that Teo doesn’t settle for the combat, although,” stated Shakur on X about Roach being his Plan B if he can’t get the Teofimo contest.
If Stevenson can beat Roach convincingly, he would show to followers that he’s higher than Tank Davis with out truly combating him. It could be a shortcut technique for Shakur to show himself because the #1 man at 135 by beating the 130-pounder Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs).
Avoiding the True Take a look at
The correct means for Stevenson to show that he’s one of the best at light-weight could be for him to run the gauntlet via these powerful 135-pounders:
Andy Cruz
Raymond Muratalla
Abdullah Mason
Floyd Schofield
Jadier Herrera
Gervonta Davis
Sam Noakes
Beating Roach received’t show that Shakur is one of the best. It could be a superficial means for Shakur to assert that he’s one of the best at light-weight by defeating Lamont. Like in any sport, you possibly can’t name your self one of the best in the event you solely beat one crew and skip the opposite prime ones.
Whereas some followers will give Stevenson the #1 tag from a win over the finesse fighter Roach, the hardcore boxing followers that comply with the game will anticipate him to slog his means via the above record.
