Shakur Stevenson has built a reputation as a fighter willing to face anyone. But after capturing the WBO super-lightweight title, he may soon be pushed toward the one matchup he has publicly ruled out — a bout against his close friend, Keyshawn Davis.
The 28-year-old from Newark moved up to 140lbs to dethrone Teofimo Lopez, claiming the WBO belt and becoming the third-youngest four-division world champion in boxing history. Not long after, the WBC stripped him of his lightweight title, leaving Stevenson at a crossroads about where his future lies.
A Champion at a Crossroads
With the WBC belt gone, Stevenson must now decide whether to return to 135lbs without a title, stay at super-lightweight to defend his new crown, or climb once more to welterweight.
Complicating matters is what happened earlier that same night. On Stevenson’s undercard, Keyshawn Davis — a longtime friend and former WBO lightweight champion — delivered a statement win over Jamaine Ortiz. The victory positioned Davis as the WBO’s top contender at 140lbs.
Before the WBC’s decision, Stevenson had floated the idea of allowing Davis to challenge for the belt after he returned to lightweight. Now, however, the sanctioning body could theoretically order Stevenson to defend his title against the very man he has said he won’t fight.
Drawing the Line at Friendship
Stevenson has been clear about where he stands when it comes to facing Davis. For him, it’s not about rankings or titles — it’s about loyalty.
He has described Davis as a brother and questioned the point of putting their bond at risk for the sake of competition. Stevenson admitted that both fighters are fiercely competitive and that stepping into the ring together could strain their relationship in ways that go beyond boxing.
The only scenario he has suggested would make him reconsider is an extraordinary financial offer — the kind that would secure both of their families for generations. Short of that, he has shown little interest in turning friendship into rivalry.
What Happens Next?
For now, Stevenson may not have to make that decision. The WBO is not expected to mandate the fight immediately, and Davis may not remain at 140lbs long enough for it to become unavoidable.
In fact, Davis has already signaled interest in moving up to welterweight. After defeating Ortiz, he called for a clash with WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney, hinting that his future could lie at 147lbs instead.
That potential move could spare Stevenson from an uncomfortable showdown — at least for the time being — while he weighs his own next step in an increasingly complex title picture.
