The World Boxing Council has stripped Shakur Stevenson of his lightweight world title just days after Stevenson dominated Teofimo Lopez to win the WBO junior welterweight belt at Madison Square Garden in New York. The WBC declared the 135lb title vacant, citing its regulations and Stevenson’s status as a champion in a new weight class.
Stevenson moved up to 140lbs on Saturday, becoming a four-division world champion with a decisive victory over Lopez. He originally won the WBC lightweight title in November 2023 with a unanimous decision over Edwin De Los Santos and went on to make three successful defenses before Saturday’s jump in weight.
In its statement, the WBC said it wished Stevenson “continued success” and added that it would soon outline the process to crown a new lightweight champion. The announcement, however, was met with an immediate and furious response from Stevenson on social media.
Taking to X, the 28-year-old accused the organization of stripping him over a $100,000 fee he claims he refused to pay. “100k to some crooks who don't deserve it?” Stevenson wrote. “The WBC didn't even have s--- to do with this fight, and it's eating them alive. Take your belt, it don't make me.”
Stevenson also referenced a recent precedent, pointing to the WBC’s decision to strip Terence Crawford of his super middleweight title. “What the hell am I giving y'all 100k right now for?” he added. “Because y'all got beef with Bud? So come at me for it.”
Now unbeaten at 25-0 (11 KOs), Stevenson moves forward as the reigning WBO champion at 140lbs, making it clear that the loss of the WBC belt at lightweight will not alter his ambitions in the sport.
Image Credit: The Ring