In October Shakur Stevenson (13-0, 7 KOs) acquired the vacant WBO featherweight belt, but now has decided to rise up to the super featherweights.
Olympic silver medalist was supposed to meet Miguel Marriaga in his first title defense in March. But because of the coronavirus the night of boxing in New York was first to be held without the participation of the audience, and when the situation has become more complicated, the whole event was canceled. Oscar Valdes and Leo Santa Cruz (WBA) are now the potential adversaries of Shakur.
"I was waiting for the unification bout with Josh Warrington, I was even ready to go to his territory, but he does not want it and talks about a fight with another opponent. In any case, they said that they have already completed their negotiations. In this case, I rise to super featherweights, I have no choice. But I will also be happy to meet Oscar Valdes right now. I'll deal with him. I in fact have his belt in the featherweights. It would be a very interesting fight for the fans. Another option is a meeting with Santa Cruz," Shakur said.