Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta Davis are two signatures away from an all-American lightweight unification clash.
The elite defence of Stevenson could be matched against the explosiveness of ‘Tank’ Davis next if both sides can agree terms since Vasiliy Lomachenko dropped out of talks with Davis.
There has long been a debate as to who would come out on top and indeed who is the best in those stacked weight classes.
In an interview with Cigar Talk, the recently crowned heavyweight champion Claressa Shields said Stevenson was top dog.
“Shakur is the best. To me, he’s better than Tank, better than Devin, better than Ryan [Garcia.] He’s better than Teofimo. Shakur is my number one when it comes to those weight classes. He is me.”
The four-weight world champion then predicted that Stevenson beats ‘Tank’ and said he has faced tougher opposition on his route to lightweight.
“I’m not gonna ever dismiss a fighter. I think Tank got some great skills and hard ass punches. He’s so explosive, but so is Shakur. Shakur has, for me, faced harder challenges than Tank. When you look at the guys Shakur fought, their records and style … Tank cannot say he’s the best if he knocked out Ryan and Rolly. Who the f**k is a Rolly and who the f**k is a Ryan? Those guys would never get in the ring with Shakur.
People say it only takes one, you’re right, but when you’re only getting hit 5 or 6%… I’m just rocking with Shakur for that fight, and he’s gonna be smart. Shakur’s strong too, he’s fast, too. When he’s got something to prove he fights to a higher level.”
