After the Teofimo fight, Shakur says he plans to return to 135. He hasn’t committed to anyone yet, but he brought up Roach again as an option.
That’s where the criticism starts. There are fighters at lightweight who pose more danger to Shakur than Roach. O’Shaquie Foster is one. Abdullah Mason is another. Both would be tougher fights.
Safer Options Again
If Shakur chooses Roach instead, it will only reinforce what a lot of fans already think. That his career has been carefully managed from the start. The Teofimo fight at 140 already fits that pattern. It’s a big name, but not the most dangerous champion in the division.
“Lamont Roach. I wanted to fight Lamont. Me and Lamont was the fight to really make happen, but the Teo fight was bigger,” Shakur said to the Breakfast Club 105.1.
Fighting Roach next would bring more pushback. Roach hasn’t won his last two fights. Both ended in draws. That doesn’t usually earn someone a title shot.
Shakur also said he thought Roach beat Pitbull Cruz, but the fight was closer than that. Roach was dropped early and lost several rounds. What helped him was a point deduction against Cruz in round seven for a body shot, which came without a warning.
Bigger Threats at 135
Roach would be challenging Shakur for the WBC lightweight title if the fight happens. That would be his third straight title shot after failing to win the first two.
That’s where fans take issue. Other contenders have been waiting. Roach hasn’t done enough to jump the line. If Shakur wants respect at lightweight, he needs to stop circling the safest options and start fighting the toughest ones.
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