Oleksandr Usyk believes Shakur Stevenson has taken over as the best pound-for-pound fighter in boxing following Terence Crawford’s retirement last December.
Despite having one of the most decorated careers in modern boxing, the Ukrainian champion insists he does not consider himself the top fighter in the sport. The 39-year-old became undisputed champion at cruiserweight before repeating the feat twice at heavyweight, adding victories over fighters such as Mairis Briedis, Murat Gassiev, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois.
Even during his reign as the undisputed heavyweight champion, Usyk repeatedly stated that Crawford was the sport’s leading pound-for-pound fighter. With the American announcing his retirement, Usyk was asked who now deserves that distinction.
Speaking with Inside the Ring ahead of his May 23 fight with Rico Verhoeven, Usyk named four-division world champion Shakur Stevenson as his choice. He thanked fans for their support but reiterated that he does not believe the honor belongs to him.
Stevenson recently defeated Teofimo Lopez and has continued campaigning around the super lightweight division.
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