Shakur Stevenson: ‘Face of Boxing’ claim ahead of Teofimo fight

Shakur Stevenson says he’ll be the new “face of boxing” in the sport after he defeats WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez on January 31st, 2026.

“I’m the Bigger Star”

Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) states that he’s the one who brings in the fans, sells tickets, and is the bigger star. He says he’s willing to fight anyone to be recognized by fans as the ‘Face of boxing’. To be the ‘Face,’ Shakur would have to be entertaining, and he’s not.

There are at least nine fighters from 135, 140, and 147 that Shakur would have to defeat to be viewed as the legitimate ‘Face’ of the sport. He sounds like a narcissist, a lot like his “brother” Keyshawn Davis used to talk before he went on the shelf.

Beating Teofimo (22-1, 13 KOs) isn’t nearly good enough, because he already lost to George Kambosos. And he has a couple of controversial wins over Jamaine Ortiz and Sandor Martinez that he should have lost in the eyes of fans.

Can He Beat Any of Them?

• Gary Antuanne Russell
• Subriel Matias
• Andy Cruz
• Floyd Schofield
• Abdullah Mason
• Conor Benn
• Jamaine Ortiz
• Ernesto Mercado
• Richardson Hitchins

There’s an excellent chance that Shakur would lose to all nine of those fighters. If he raises his game, he could potentially beat one of them, Hitchins. But as far as the other ones, I don’t see him coming close to defeating any of them. They’re too good, and Stevenson can’t punch.

“I’m that guy. I’m the guy that is going to put a*** in the seat. Everybody is going to tune into my fight,” said Shakur Stevenson to Cigar Talk when asked if he’s the next Face of Boxing. “We can act like Teo is the A-side of this fight just because he’s got a belt. But truthfully, is he the A-side?”

Jan. 31 Will Tell All

Fans are going to tune in on January 31st, but that’s more because of Teofimo, and likely a loaded undercard. It won’t be due to Shakur because he’s not a huge attraction.

“I’m the bigger fighter. After I beat him, I’m the face. Anywhere I go on the planet, everyone knows Shakur. Out with the old, in with the new. I’m the guy. That’s cool. I’m up for the challenge,” said Stevenson when told that for him to be ‘the guy,’ he’s got to beat everybody. “I’m up for the challenge. Starting with Teo, then who’s next?”