Fresh from outclassing William Zepeda to retain his WBC lightweight crown, Shakur Stevenson used an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show to renew and intensify his call for a unification with WBA titleholder Gervonta “Tank” Davis. “This is the biggest fight in the sport,” Stevenson declared, insisting both men must “be grown men and get the fight done” despite their soured friendship and escalating rivalry.
Stevenson believes Davis recognises him as “the biggest threat” at 135 lbs and dismissed Tank’s talk of a mental-health hiatus: “Too much money to be made in boxing.” He also staked his claim to home-field advantage, saying the showdown should land “in or near New York City” - the midpoint between Newark and Baltimore and, in his view, “whatever is the biggest stadium.”
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Complicating matters is Davis’ uncertain schedule following his recent arrest, which has likely pushed back an intended August 16 rematch with Lamont Roach Jr. Stevenson welcomed a Roach bout as an interim option, praising Roach’s skills and predicting a “tremendous fight” should Davis remain sidelined.
Promotional ties will not be a hurdle: Stevenson’s two-fight deal with Matchroom concluded with the Zepeda victory, leaving him a free agent. “I’d work with anybody,” he said, adding that he will “clear my head” before deciding his next move - but made it clear that, promotional politics aside, the fight he wants most is Tank.
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing