Shakur Stevenson wants to fight Conor Benn. The undefeated world champion has made it clear he's ready to step in the ring with the British welterweight.
Benn's last fight was a tough one. He moved up two weight classes to face Chris Eubank Jr in April. Despite losing on points after 12 action-packed rounds, Benn got credit for his gutsy performance. Now, he's keen on a rematch with Eubank Jr, but he's also thinking about dropping back down to welterweight to chase a world title.
Stevenson, the current WBC Lightweight World Champion, sized up Benn and liked what he saw. He told FightHype:
"I size people up, so I sized him up and I was like, yo I could fight him. I wouldn't mind fighting him."
Stevenson's got a reputation as one of the best boxers in the world. But some fans think he plays it too safe, beating opponents without taking risks. He's getting ready to defend his lightweight title against William Zepeda on July 12, according to ESPN.
The fight might actually happen. Benn texted promoter Eddie Hearn with a clip of Stevenson talking about him. Stevenson then texted Hearn saying he'd make the fight at 147 pounds. Hearn promotes both fighters, so that could make things easier.
Benn usually fights at welterweight (147 pounds), while Stevenson's a lightweight. But Stevenson says he's willing to move up. Benn's a come-forward fighter, while Stevenson's more technical. Benn thinks he can solve the puzzle Stevenson presents.
Most fans probably want to see these guys stick to their own weight classes. But in boxing, you never know what might happen.
