Shakur Stevenson has voiced his frustration at a lack of willing opponents in the past, but Tim Bradley believes that there is an obvious fight in front of him – that being against the only man Stevenson appears unwilling to face.
Stevenson became boxing’s third-youngest four-division world champion when he claimed Teofimo Lopez’s WBO super-lightweight world title back in January, rising in the pound-for-pound rankings off the back of that career-best triumph.
At present, Stevenson’s number one challenger is close friend Keyshawn Davis, who knocked out Jamaine Ortiz on his undercard that night in January.
However, Stevenson has said no less than $500 million would get him in the ring with Davis, who he sees as a brother to him. Keyshawn has echoed the sentiment. In other words, the pair have zero interest in facing off.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, two-division conqueror Bradley encouraged Stevenson and Davis to put their relationship to the side and fight one another, informing Davis that he will remain in Stevenson’s shadow unless he can defeat him.
“I know you guys said that you shouldn’t fight each other, you guys don’t want to fight each other, you made that promise to yourselves. However, Keyshawn understand this, right now, Shakur is the man, he is the man right now, you were on his undercard and you will continue to be on his undercard.
“Both of you guys don’t have guys that want to face you, I don’t know if you are okay with being second, Keyshawn? I don’t know, but there is only one seat at the top and that is where Shakur is going to be, he is going to be on that throne.
“The only way that he is going to get off that throne is by being dethroned. That is the only way. So, when you look at the end of your career, look ahead, because like I told you, you are always going to be second, because you have to dethrone the king.”
“I am just saying, man, you guys are complaining about nobody wanting to fight you guys, fight each other. It’s that simple. If you are okay with being second, Keyshawn, that is fine bro.”
The WBO mandatory is not yet due for Stevenson, and Davis has already said he may move up to welterweight despite only having one fight at super-lightweight under his belt. The pair have time yet before they are forced to make a tough decision.
