Shakur Stevenson Says He’d Fight Abdullah Mason

Shakur Stevenson says he’d battle light-weight prospect Abdullah Mason sooner or later. WBC 135-lb champion Shakur (22-0, 10 KOs) says he respects the 20-year-old Mason, and he doesn’t suppose High Rank ought to rush him in his profession.

The Bedford, Ohio native Mason appears like a can’t-miss future famous person and a much better expertise than Shakur. High Rank invested cash in Shakur’s profession, signing him out of the 2016 Olympics, however he’s not received over followers regardless of capturing three division world titles.

That cash was wasted as a result of Shakur’s reputation failed to extend, and he left High Rank not too long ago in favor of signing with Matchroom. That marriage could not final if Shakur loses or his fights fail to draw curiosity.

Stevenson’s hit-and-not-get-hit combating type isn’t entertaining for this era’s followers, who don’t benefit from the outdated Mayweather combating strategy. That didn’t match this period’s followers, who like motion reasonably than the peck-and-scat type that Shakur makes use of.

Mason, 5’9″, is perhaps too large and highly effective for Shakur, who can’t punch and seemed poor final November in his conflict towards Edwin De Los Santos in Las Vegas. Shakur doesn’t seem like he’s able to dealing with an enormous puncher like Mason.

It may not be aggressive if that battle occurs in two to a few years. Shakur’s profession may very well be on skidrow, very like Regis Prograis’ after subsequent 12 months, and he wouldn’t be value combating.

It’s unknown the place Shakur’s profession can be after 2025. If #1 WBC contender William Zepeda destroys him in February, as many individuals consider would be the case, a battle between him and Mason would possibly by no means occur. Shakur could be confronted with some powerful choices in his profession about whether or not to remain at light-weight or transfer as much as 140 and attempt to reinvent himself.

Zepeda has already overwhelmed fighters who use the identical pull-back type that Shakur makes use of, and he made it look simple. He averages 100.2 punches thrown per spherical, and he hits arduous to the physique and head. Shakur may very well be doomed towards Zepeda.

The three-year professional, Mason, is going through Yohan Vasquez (26-5, 21 KOs) in an eight-round battle subsequent month on the undercard of Keyshawn Davis vs. Gustavo Lemos on November eighth on the Scopes Enviornment in Norfolk, Virginia. The occasion can be proven live on ESPN+.

Greg Hackett: “In case you ever acquired the prospect, would you battle Abdullah Mason?” stated Hackett to GBHTV.

Shakur Stevenson: “Sure, I feel Mason is a superb younger fighter. I don’t suppose they need to rush him. I feel that they’re doing precisely what they’re doing with him; High Rank is giving him the precise fights. Yeah, he’s working his approach up. He’s working proper. I respect him.

“In all probability 40 or 47,” stated Shakur about what weight he expects to finish up in his profession. “I used to suppose I might get to 54. I ain’t grown in a minute. I’ve been slowing my progress spurt.”

Mason has been stealing the exhibits, combating on Shakur’s undercards, and making him and Keyshawn Davis look unhealthy with their performances.