Shakur Stevenson complained this week about Gervonta Davis possibly fighting Jake Paul in an exhibition match. Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) says if Tank does that, it would be “disrespectful” to the sport if he faces Jake rather than him. He claims he’s the “best fighter in the sport,” and he says if Davis doesn’t believe it, he needs to fight him to “prove it.”
Stevenson is annoyed that Tank has dismissed him repeatedly, viewing him as a boring, desperate fighter, looking for a cash-out. Tank says Shakur should fight his “brother,” Keyshawn Davis. He sees Shakur’s brother pact as an excuse not to take a tough fight that he might lose against Keyshawn.
“They should. They keep saying they’re not going to fight their brother s***. Get the f*** out of here. They do need to fight,” said Gervonta about Shakur and Keyshawn needing to fight.
Shakur Slams Tank’s Exhibition
“Man, Tank is disrespectful to the sport if he chooses that over fighting with me,” said Shakur Stevenson to Fighthype, reacting to the news of Gervonta Davis potentially fighting an exhibition against Jake Paul soon. “I’m the best fighter in the sport. I’ve been telling him that. He called cap on it. If he wants to call cap and say I’m not who I say I am, come prove it.”
Why should Tank have to “prove it” if he doesn’t think Shakur is “the best fighter” in boxing. Stevenson dismissed unbeaten talents Ernesto Mercado and Jadier Herrera as being worthy opponents. He said this about NOT wanting to fight the Cuban Jadier Herrera (17-0, 15 KOs): “They keep trying to direct me towards the little kids. I want big names only!” Stevenson then turned around and fought the electrician, Josh Padley, instead. What does that tell you? It tells me that Stevenson is playing it safe, trying to stay unbeaten long enough to get a giant payday against Tank.
Shakur keeps saying he’s “the best fighter in the sport,” but he hasn’t fought anyone during his career who was any good other than Edwin De Los Santos. He ran from him for 12 rounds. That was more “disrespectful” than Tank potentially fighting a harmless exhibition match against Jake.
“I think it’s dangerous for him to go back in there and fight Lamont,” said Shakur about Tank Davis and Lamont Roach agreed to a rematch on August 16th. “I think Lamont is a hell of a fighter. I can see that going left. He better be on his A-game.”
The Payday Pursuit
Many people believe Stevenson is just trying to weasel a fight out of Tank Davis, and he’s not interested in fighting anyone good to avoid losing out on that payday. That’s why Shakur fought the part-time boxer, Josh Padley, and Artem Harutyunyan in his last two fights. He had fights scheduled against Floyd Schofield and Joe Cordina. Both are nowhere near the top at lightweight.
Last Updated on 05/16/2025
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