Shakur Stevenson posted on social media today, revealing his career philosophy: “It’s a Marathon; longevity is all that matters.” He’s talking about his career and why he chooses to play it safe, using the hit-and-not-hit fighting style. His post suggests that he focuses on having a long career by not getting hit.
Shakur’s attitude of self-preservation comes across like he’s more of a businessman, and not built to be a warrior. Fans want fighters to be risk-takers and not to show fear. Stevenson’s focus on preserving himself shows that he lacks bravery. If he were in your platoon in wartime, his attitude wouldn’t be ripe for him to be on the battlefield. Could you count on him? Someone who is just trying to survive and not take risks is useless on the front lines. Fans don’t like to see those types.
Must-Not-Watch
The style is poison for fans to watch, and Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) is one of the most must-not-watch fighters in the sport.
The Matchroom-promoted Stevenson’s comment about “longevity” means he’s taking the long career approach. To do that, he must limit risks to near zero to avoid taking headshots that could slowly deplete him. Using his safety-first style goes with this philosophy.
Turki Alalshikh and his promoters are already paying him millions. So, it doesn’t matter that his fights are boring, non-entertaining, and far less interesting to watch than those of other fighters who aren’t paid as much as he is. He’s being paid despite failing at entertaining.
Shakur argues that he’s captured three division world titles, which means he’s a great fighter. But putting a spotlight on the fighters that Shakur beat to win his belts, many of the top 10 fighters at 126, 130, and 135 could have beaten the fighters from whom he captured his titles.
Stevenson’s Three-division titles
– Edwin De Los Santos – WBC lightweight
– Jamel Herring – WBO super featherweight
– Oscar Valdez – WBC and Ring super featherweight
– Joet Gonzalez – WBO featherweight
Taking Rounds Off?
Stevenson will defend his WBC lightweight title against William Zepeda on July 12th in New York. Fans on social media hope Shakur won’t run from him in their co-feature bout. However, one of Stevenson’s coaches said last week that he will be ‘taking rounds off to protect his hands.’ That’s not what fans want to hear.
It means Shakur will be moving a lot. Given that this event, which is headlined by Edgar Berlanga vs. Hamzah Sheeraz, will be shown on PPV, it will upset fans that Stevenson will be moving all night.
It’s a marathon, LONGEVITY is all that matters💯
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) May 13, 2025