Shakur Stevenson Gets Honest About His ‘Dark Side’: “I Am Learning to Tame It”

Published 06/08/2021, 6:30 PM EDT

15-0 as a professional boxer, Shakur Stevenson has terrorized the entire 125 lbs division on his rise to the top and becoming a world champion. He is now exploring through the super lightweight division, posing a similar dominance like his lightweight run. Meanwhile, Stevenson might possess some personal attributes that often influence his fighting career.

The 23-year-old reportedly has suffered several tough times, which seems to have left a “dark” side on him. While he claims to put it out inside the boxing ring, Stevenson has also vowed to put a check on this feature. Ahead of his WBO 130 lbs Interim title fight, he connected with Top Rank to address the issue.

Shakur Stevenson said, “I always had a killer instinct in me but when I was a kid, I didn’t know entertainment, trying to throw haymakers and knockout blows. When I started traveling across the world that’s when I realized that dark side is not what’s gonna help me at the top level of boxing.

Article continues below this ad

“But I am learning how to tame it. I try to keep it as calm as a possible but I mean that dark side come out sometimes.”

The 5’8” tall southpaw puncher has attained 8 of his 15 wins via stoppage. Hence, he is one of the hardest hitters in the current boxing world. But that doesn’t berate the contenders at the super lightweight division. Although Stevenson will have his chances to become a 130 lbs title-holder, it might not be an undemanding task.

“It’s Crazy”- Shakur Stevenson Reacts to His Sparring Session With Terence Crawford

Can Shakur Stevenson become a world champion at 130 lbs?

The first major test at the super lightweight division for Shakur Stevenson would come against Jeremiah Nakathila on June 12. The Namibian rival holds an alluring pro record of 21-1 and is currently riding a 10-fight win streak. Hence, he can impose some serious challenges for ‘Fearless’.

Article continues below this ad

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Shakur Stevenson (@shakurstevenson)

But in bagging a win, Stevenson would be the Interim titleholder and a mandatory challenger to the world title,. Thus, the upcoming bout would also be a must-win situation for Stevenson, which can earn him even bigger opponents ahead.

Article continues below this ad

Do you think Shakur Stevenson can be a world champion at the super featherweight division? Let us know in the comments.

Mike Tyson Admits Giving ‘Bulls**t’ Advice to Shakur Stevenson

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

A senior boxing writer at EssentiallySports, Raj Sarkar is a mass media graduate who is currently pursuing his master’s degree in broadcast journalism. In addition to his current role, he has worked with the MMA team at EssentiallySports and has interviewed prominent fighters such as Ritu Phogat and 'The Red King' Rory MacDonald. He combined his bachelor's degree with his adoration for combat sports and has a combined 2000 plus bylines in MMA and boxing over the last two years.

Shakur Stevenson Gets Honest About His ‘Dark Side’: “I Am Learning to Tame It”

Can Shakur Stevenson become a world champion at 130 lbs?

Trending

Ryan Garcia’s Payout for Devin Haney Fight to Exceed ‘$50 Million’ After $2 Million Bet Pays Off Big

Ignoring Mother’s Warning After $50 Million Payout Could Cost Ryan Garcia Big Time

Devin Haney’s Mom: Real Reason He Left Her at the Age of 14?

“This Ref Must Have a Bet”: Jorge Masvidal, Jake Paul, Manny Pacquiao, and Others Stunned as Ryan Garcia Upsets Devin Haney In Dominant Fashion

Tim Bradley Jr. Explodes in Fury Over Ryan Garcia’s Vulgar Taunt After Devin Haney Win