During an exchange on Ariel Helwani’s program this Monday, Conor Benn challenged Shakur Stevenson to elevate his weight and face him at 147 pounds. Stevenson, the WBC lightweight titleholder, expressed his willingness but cautioned Benn that he wouldn’t be able to land a punch on him. Benn, in response, warned Shakur (24-0, 11 KOs) that such a fight could be detrimental to his well-being.
Engaging in a fight with Benn would present a significant risk for Shakur, given Benn’s superior punching power compared to fighters like Zepeda or Josh Padley. It’s improbable that Shakur could navigate an entire bout without absorbing blows to the head. Regardless of his defensive maneuvers, he would inevitably be struck.
Stevenson’s confidence is currently high, stemming from his dominant victory over the high-output puncher William Zepeda (33-1, 27 KOs) via a decisive 12-round unanimous decision last Saturday night. The match was part of Turki Alalshikh’s event held at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.
In actuality, the contest was more closely contested than the notably skewed scores submitted by the judging panel indicated. The judges’ scorecards read 118-110, 118-110, and 119-109. Benn remarked to Stevenson that he found the moment when Zepeda momentarily stunned him in the third round particularly engaging. Shakur contested this, denying that he had been staggered. However, replays revealed Stevenson faltering after a left hand from Zepeda, nearly resulting in a knockdown.
Benn’s Assertion of Staggering
Conor Benn: “It provided entertainment, particularly the instance where you were caught and nearly toppled over. That was quite captivating,” Benn conveyed to Shakur Stevenson via the Ariel Helwani platform.
Shakur Stevenson: “You believe I was caught off guard?”
Benn: “Indeed, you were caught.”
Stevenson: “And your most recent fight, what transpired?”
Benn: “Let’s witness you ascend two weight classes. You’re welcome to come up [to 147], though I doubt it would serve your health well.”
Stevenson: “You’re incapable of doing anything. What action will you take? I’ve already assessed your size. You’re not exceptionally large.”
Benn: “Upon impact, you’ll certainly feel it.”
Stevenson: “So, you anticipate failing to land a blow?”
Benn: “You intend to rely on evasive movement? You’ll be resorting to running.”
Stevenson: “Did you observe my fight?”
Benn: “Partially. Specifically, the moment when Zepeda nearly achieved a knockout. I observed your legs giving way three or four times. I thought to myself, ‘This individual at 135 pounds believes he can advance to 147 and challenge me.’”
Stevenson: “Our sizes are quite comparable. I’m observing you.”
Benn: “Our sizes are not at all comparable.”
