“Some fighters are not willing to get embarrassed in front of the world just for the check,” Shakur said.
He said fighters and their teams often weigh the competitive risk of a fight alongside the financial opportunity, particularly when a loss could hurt a fighter’s position in the sport. Even so, he said the right financial offer can still persuade certain opponents to accept a bout they might otherwise avoid.
“If you put up a lot of money, I think that’ll be enough to get certain fighters in the ring,” Stevenson said, adding that he approaches his career differently and is prepared to face anyone willing to sign a contract and step into the ring.
“If anybody got issues with me, sign the contract, turn the lights on, and come see me.”
The 27-year-old has spent the past year involved in some of the most visible fights of his career. Stevenson earned a decision win over William Zepeda last July before moving up to junior welterweight earlier this year to face Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden. Stevenson defeated Lopez by unanimous decision to capture the WBO junior welterweight title and The Ring championship, becoming a four-division world champion in the process.
Following that victory, Shakur has been linked to several possible opponents, including Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn, although none of those fights have taken place. Stevenson did not identify specific fighters when making his comments during the podcast appearance and instead spoke broadly about the factors that influence whether major fights come together.
During the interview, Shakur also talked about his plans outside the ring and said he hopes to build successful business ventures once his boxing career ends. “I plan on making more money outside the ring than I’m doing in the ring,” Stevenson said.
Even with those long-term plans in mind, Stevenson said competition remains the main motivation behind his career. “I enjoy competing,” Stevenson said. “I enjoy me being better than the next person.”
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