Paulie Malignaggi Calls Shakur Stevenson 'This Generation's Floyd Mayweather'

Two-division champion predicts Stevenson will 'carry the sport' after facing Teofimo Lopez this weekend.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:53am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the intense action of a boxing match, with the fighters' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of vivid color.A cubist interpretation of the highly anticipated Stevenson-Lopez title fight, capturing the dynamic action and high stakes of the matchup between two of boxing's rising stars.NYC Today

Boxing analyst Paulie Malignaggi has declared rising star Shakur Stevenson as the heir apparent to Floyd Mayweather's throne, stating the 25-year-old is 'this generation's Floyd Mayweather' and will 'carry the sport' going forward. Malignaggi's bold prediction comes ahead of Stevenson's showdown with fellow young phenom Teofimo Lopez for the WBO super-lightweight world title at Madison Square Garden this Saturday.

Why it matters

Stevenson and Lopez are two of the most promising young talents in boxing, with both fighters already capturing world titles in multiple weight classes. Malignaggi's Mayweather comparison for Stevenson suggests the Newark native could be on the cusp of superstardom, potentially ushering in a new era of dominance in the sport similar to what Mayweather achieved over the past two decades.

The details

Malignaggi, a two-division world champion himself, believes Stevenson has been 'avoided' by opponents thus far in his career, but now has a chance to cement his status as an elite fighter by defeating the hard-hitting Lopez this weekend. While Malignaggi acknowledges Lopez's own formidable abilities, including his upset win over Vasyl Lomachenko, the analyst ultimately backs Stevenson to prevail and begin his ascent to the top of the sport.

  • Stevenson and Lopez will face off on Saturday, April 12, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
  • Malignaggi made his comments about Stevenson in the lead-up to the fight.

The players

Shakur Stevenson

A 25-year-old American boxer who has already won world titles at featherweight, super-featherweight and lightweight, and is now moving up to super-lightweight to challenge Teofimo Lopez.

Teofimo Lopez

A 23-year-old American boxer who famously upset Vasyl Lomachenko to become the unified lightweight world champion, and is now moving up to super-lightweight to defend his title against Shakur Stevenson.

Paulie Malignaggi

A retired American boxer who was a two-division world champion, and is now a respected boxing analyst and commentator.

Floyd Mayweather

Considered one of the greatest defensive boxers of all time, Mayweather retired with a perfect 50-0 record and was named the BWAA's 'Fighter of the Decade' for the 2010s.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Shakur [Stevenson] for me is a fighter I'd always look at to be the best fighter in the sport. He is like this generation's Floyd Mayweather. He hasn't been given the opportunities, they've avoided him. He's a world class fighter, and I think this is fight is between two world class fighters in their prime. I look at Stevenson, I say this guy is the future of boxing and he will carry the sport.”

— Paulie Malignaggi, Boxing Analyst

“He beat Vasyl Lomachenko for real, on his night he is almost unbeatable. I think Teofimo brings his own attributes to the table. I think if there is somebody on a certain night who can do it, it would be Lopez. But if you count him out, he's surprised a lot of people. I believe in Stevenson, but on his night Teofimo can beat anyone in the world.”

— Paulie Malignaggi, Boxing Analyst

What’s next

The Stevenson vs. Lopez fight for the WBO super-lightweight world title will take place this Saturday, April 12, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The takeaway

Malignaggi's bold comparison of Stevenson to the legendary Floyd Mayweather suggests the 25-year-old is on the cusp of superstardom, with the potential to dominate the sport in the coming years much like Mayweather did. However, the young champion will first have to get past the formidable challenge of Teofimo Lopez, another rising star who has proven he can pull off major upsets.