Stevenson's Rise Outpacing Opponent Depth, Says Jones

Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. argues Shakur Stevenson's platform access has exceeded his proven opposition so far.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. has criticized rising star Shakur Stevenson, arguing that his rapid rise to prominence has outpaced the depth of elite opponents he has defeated so far. Jones says Stevenson has been given major platform opportunities before fully establishing his credentials against top-tier competition, unlike Floyd Mayweather's early career which was built on removing established threats.

Why it matters

This debate highlights the challenges young fighters face in balancing rapid career advancement with the need to build a resume of meaningful wins over elite opposition. Stevenson's talent is undeniable, but Jones believes he has yet to prove himself against the caliber of opponents that defined Mayweather's early dominance.

The details

Jones points to Stevenson's wins over Edwin De Los Santos and William Zepeda as examples of opponents who, while undefeated, did not have the same established threat level as the elite prime opponents Mayweather faced early in his career, such as Genaro Hernández, Diego Corrales, and José Luis Castillo. Stevenson's victory over Teofimo Lopez is seen as real proof of his abilities, but Jones argues that fight stands largely alone in that category so far.

  • Stevenson won the WBO junior lightweight title in 2022.
  • Stevenson defeated Teofimo Lopez in a unification bout in 2023.

The players

Shakur Stevenson

A rising American boxer who has won world titles at featherweight and junior lightweight.

Roy Jones Jr.

A former professional boxer who is considered one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of all time.

Floyd Mayweather

A retired professional boxer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time.

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What they’re saying

“Stevenson's rise has happened faster in public view. ESPN moved him quickly. Riyadh Season placed him on the sport's biggest stages. He received championship opportunities soon after entering new divisions. His ability justified those opportunities, but the recognition is arriving faster than the opponent's depth.”

— Roy Jones Jr., Boxing Legend (boxingnews24.com)

What’s next

Stevenson is expected to continue his rise in the junior lightweight division, potentially facing other top contenders to further solidify his status as an elite fighter.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the delicate balance young fighters must strike between rapid career advancement and building a resume of meaningful wins over elite opposition. Stevenson's talent is undeniable, but he may need to continue facing tougher challenges to fully silence critics like Roy Jones Jr. and cement his place among the sport's all-time greats.