Shakur Stevenson is still pushing for a light welterweight unification fight with Gary Antuanne Russell. He says both sides want it and have been talking since his public callout, but there is no agreement or date yet.
Shakur hasn’t left it at a social media challenge. He has followed up by phone and is asking the people handling the deal to get the fight made. Both camps believe their fighter wins. The question is whether they can agree on the terms.
“Gary a real one I been on the phone with bro since the day I called Antuanne out on twitter trying to make this fight happen,” Stevenson wrote on X. “We both want the fight so hopefully it can get done! He say Tweezy gone beat me and I feel I’m gone beat him.. Let’s get it together boxing business 🤞🏾”
Shakur appears to be referring to conversations with Gary Russell Jr., who is backing his brother Antuanne to beat him. Shakur likes his own chances and clearly hasn’t lost interest in the matchup.
That doesn’t sound like Russell is ducking him. If they are talking and both want the fight, the issue is getting a deal they will accept. Shakur’s post doesn’t reveal the money being discussed or how close they are to signing.
Some fans would rather see Shakur face Raymond Muratalla. The WBO’s No. 1 contender at 140 pounds brings pressure and power, qualities that arguably make him a tougher test for Shakur. He would have to keep Muratalla off him while avoiding the heavy shots coming back.
Russell is dangerous too, but Shakur’s persistence won’t change the minds of fans who prefer Muratalla. He wants Russell next. Until the terms are settled and a date is announced, that remains a fight he is pursuing rather than one he has secured.
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