Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington believes the featherweight division already has an uncrowned king - himself. Fresh off a unanimous decision win over Mateus Heita in July, where he claimed the WBC interim title, the unbeaten Brooklyn fighter says he’s operating on a different level from the champions holding the other belts.
Carrington sits at No. 6 in The Ring’s rankings, but he insists experience and preparation put him ahead of the pack. “I’ve been sparring with champions and matching myself against them, and I can sweep the division if I want to,” he said on Inside The Ring. “I am the best featherweight in the division.”
His hit list is bold. At the top is WBA champion Nick Ball, followed by WBO titleholder Rafael Espinoza. Carrington says he briefly targeted Stephen Fulton, but after Fulton pursued a bout at junior lightweight against O’Shaquie Foster, Carrington shifted focus. He even mentioned wanting a fight with Naoya Inoue, emphasizing that few fighters are calling out names the way he is.
If he can pick one next, Carrington wants Ball, as he believes the styles would create something special. “Nick Ball has a fun style and we can give an entertaining fight to the fans. I have the IQ, and that’s what will separate me from him,” he said.
At 28, Carrington sees a clear path to greatness, not just a title. “I know I can make it to the top… not trying to be just a guy with a belt,” he said. “Trying to be great - and you have to take risks.”
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