Shakur Stevenson Calls Out Fighters Avoiding Bouts to Prevent 'Embarrassment'

The four-division champion believes some top boxers are more concerned about losing than earning big paydays.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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In an interview, boxer Shakur Stevenson claimed that some of the biggest fights in boxing never happen because certain fighters are more worried about the risk of losing and being embarrassed in front of a global audience than they are about the financial rewards. Stevenson, who has won titles in four weight classes, said he approaches his career differently and is willing to face any opponent willing to sign a contract and step into the ring.

Why it matters

Stevenson's comments shed light on the complex factors that influence whether highly anticipated boxing matchups actually come to fruition. The fear of losing and damaging one's reputation can sometimes outweigh the potential financial incentives, creating roadblocks in negotiations between top fighters and their teams.

The details

During an appearance on Carmelo Anthony's podcast, Stevenson said that while large financial offers can help move negotiations forward, they don't always overcome a fighter's hesitation to risk a high-profile defeat. 'Some fighters are not willing to get embarrassed in front of the world just for the check,' Stevenson said. The 27-year-old Newark native, who has become a four-division world champion, said he approaches his career differently and is prepared to face any opponent willing to sign a contract and step into the ring.

  • Stevenson earned a decision win over William Zepeda last July.
  • Earlier this year, Stevenson moved up to junior welterweight to face Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden, defeating Lopez by unanimous decision to capture the WBO junior welterweight title and The Ring championship.

The players

Shakur Stevenson

A 27-year-old boxer from Newark, New Jersey who has won titles in four weight classes and is willing to face any opponent.

Teofimo Lopez

A boxer who Stevenson defeated by unanimous decision earlier this year to capture the WBO junior welterweight title and The Ring championship.

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What they’re saying

“Some fighters are not willing to get embarrassed in front of the world just for the check.”

— Shakur Stevenson, Boxer (7PM in Brooklyn podcast)

“If anybody got issues with me, sign the contract, turn the lights on, and come see me.”

— Shakur Stevenson, Boxer (7PM in Brooklyn podcast)

What’s next

Stevenson has been linked to potential fights against Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn, although none of those matchups have materialized yet.

The takeaway

Stevenson's comments highlight the complex psychology and financial calculations that can prevent some of boxing's most anticipated matchups from happening, as fighters and their teams weigh the risks of losing against the potential rewards. Stevenson's willingness to face any opponent sets him apart from some of his peers.