Shakur Stevenson, the 28-year-old boxing sensation from Newark, New Jersey, has been stripped of his WBC lightweight title. This decision comes as a result of the WBC's strict rule regarding champions holding multiple world titles from different governing bodies in separate weight classes. Stevenson, a four-weight world champion, recently won The Ring and WBO junior welterweight titles from Teofimo Lopez, but the WBC's rule prevented him from holding both titles simultaneously.
The controversy arises from the WBC's demand for a $100,000 fee from Stevenson, which he refused to pay. Stevenson, known for his close relationship with Terence Crawford, a five-division champion, has been vocal about the unfairness of the fee. Crawford himself had a public dispute with the WBC over a sanctioning fee, refusing to pay the $300,000 demanded for his victory over Canelo Alvarez.
Despite the controversy, Stevenson's performance against Lopez was impressive. He dominated the fight, using his jab to control the distance and pace, and ultimately won by unanimous decision. Stevenson's success in a new division has solidified his status as a top boxer, but the WBC's decision to strip him of his title has sparked debate and raised questions about the fairness of the organization's rules.
The WBC's interim lightweight champion, Jadier Herrera, was not elevated to the title, and William Zepeda remains the WBC's No. 1 lightweight contender. Stevenson's future in boxing remains uncertain, as he now faces the challenge of deciding whether to defend his remaining titles or move on to new opportunities. The boxing world awaits his next move, as Stevenson continues to captivate fans with his talent and determination.
