“At this current point in time, there’s no fighter in the world that could beat me,” Shakur said to Fred VanVleet, making his position clear as he continues to build momentum in the lightweight division.
The statement comes after a one-sided showing against Teofimo that many viewed as his most complete performance last January. Shakur controlled the action from start to finish, but he admitted the fight carried more uncertainty going in than the result suggested.
“I was nervous. This is Teo,” Stevenson said. “It was like 50/50. I wasn’t surprised.”
The mix of confidence and caution reflected a mindset that he says has sharpened over time, particularly in how he approaches the moments outside the ring. Shakur acknowledged that earlier in his career, he allowed outside criticism to affect him, often responding directly to comments on social media.
“Before, I used to feed into it. I couldn’t help it,” Shakur said. “Now I try my best not to even get into it on Twitter.”
He explained that constant back-and-forth exchanges only amplified the attention around criticism, rather than quieting it. Learning to step away from that cycle has become part of his routine as he focuses more closely on his preparation and performances.
“When you respond, you make it bigger,” Stevenson said.
That shift reflects a broader approach he has taken to his career. Shakur described himself as someone who prefers training and competition over the lifestyle that can come with the sport.
“I ain’t really kind of party type of dude. I like going to the gym,” he said.
He’s staying focused on his training and performances as he looks ahead to his next fight in a division packed with big names. Shakur has made clear he is willing to face any of them, but his message remains the same as it stands now.
Stevenson believes the level he showed against Teofimo is one that others have yet to reach, and he sees no opponent who can match it.
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