The Pre-Fight Excuse: Shakur Stevenson’s Strategic ‘Not My Real Weight’ Declaration

Shakur Stevenson said today on social that “when” he defeats WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez to capture his fourth division world title in a division not his “real weight class,” he wants to know what people are going to “say then?”

(Credit: Golden Boy)

A Proclamation of Superiority

In other words, Shakur (24-0, 11 KOs) is proclaiming himself as superior to Teofimo (22-1, 13 KOs). By talking as if it’s inevitable that he’s going to defeat Lopez to become a four-division world champion and Ring Magazine champion, he’s placing himself as the A-side going into the still yet to be signed match.

Setting the Trap for Teo

With that troll-like post, he’s forcing Teofimo to fire back at him. When he does, it’ll show Stevenson that his post has worked in getting into his mind and upsetting him. If Lopez says nothing, it would indicate that he’s indifferent, unaffected, and mentally strong.

“That’s not even my real weight class,” said Shakur about him fighting Teofimo at 140.

A Built-in Escape Route

What Shakur is doing with this comment is setting the stage for using it as a built-in excuse in case he loses to Lopez. If he’s beaten, he can tell his fans that he was fighting outside of his weight class at 140, trying to be great.

There will be enough sympathetic fans to give Shakur a free pass after a loss to Teo, and his popularity won’t take a hit. It’s a situation where Stevenson comes out ahead either way. It’s a win-win. If he defeats Lopez, he’ll receive full credit and be celebrated by fans. If he loses, he’s got the built-in excuse of fighting outside of his natural weight class of 135.

Ideally, Shakur shouldn’t have to create an excuse ahead of time if he loses to Lopez. But when you’re getting paid millions by Turki Alalshikh to fight on his cards, it’s crucial to have an excuse if things go badly against Teo. Using the weight excuse to avoid the inevitable backlash might work.