WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson remains undeterred in his quest to secure a bout with Vasily Lomachenko, despite clear signals of disinterest from the latter. Stevenson’s strategy, as of late, has involved rallying his fan base to exert pressure on Lomachenko for a showdown, an approach that has raised eyebrows within the boxing community.
Stevenson’s fixation on Lomachenko is underscored by his recent plea on social media, urging followers to question Lomachenko about a potential fight post his May 11th encounter with George Kambosos Jr. This move has not only spotlighted Stevenson’s determination but also highlighted the perceived avoidance by Lomachenko, who is reportedly seeking more lucrative matchups against high-profile names, steering clear of Stevenson’s defensively inclined style.
Further complicating Stevenson’s campaign is the lingering controversy surrounding his last bout with Edwin De Los Santos, a fight that ended with a decision many found contentious. Critics argue that Stevenson’s credibility as a contender for Lomachenko would greatly benefit from a definitive victory in a rematch against De Los Santos, suggesting that such a win could pivot Stevenson closer to the high-stakes matches he desires.
Yet, Stevenson’s path to Lomachenko remains obstructed not only by stylistic and marketability concerns but also by his contractual obligations with Top Rank, which are nearing their end. With speculation about Stevenson’s potential move to PBC, his immediate future seems to be aligning with a fight against the highly touted Raymond Muratalla, a prospect Stevenson appears reluctant to face.
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