Claressa Shields, the multi-division world champion, can't stop talking about Shakur Stevenson. She thinks the current WBC lightweight champion is unbeatable and "a level above all others."
Shields, who's 30 and from Flint, Michigan, knows a thing or two about boxing. She's got an Olympic gold medal, world titles in four weight classes, and she's the first fighter in the modern era to be undisputed in three divisions. Just this February, she beat Danielle Perkins to become the undisputed heavyweight champ.
But it's Stevenson who's got her attention right now. The 28-year-old from Newark just defended his WBC lightweight title against William Zepeda at Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York City. Stevenson won by unanimous decision, keeping his perfect 24-0 record intact.
Shields couldn't contain her excitement when she talked to Fight Hub TV after the fight. She was so proud she almost cried.
"I'm so proud of him, I think I might start crying … Man he used his skill, used his jab, he fought on the inside, he took very little punches but he had such a great game plan."
Stevenson's performance shut down his critics. He stood his ground with Zepeda and countered with precision. Shields thinks this proves Stevenson is the real deal.
"Everybody keeps on doubting him and keep trying to make it seem like he ain't the one. Shakur is the one, man, and anybody you put him up against, anybody, he's gonna win and I always say that."
Now, boxing fans want to see Stevenson take on Gervonta Davis, the WBA lightweight champion, in a unification showdown. It's the fight everyone's talking about.
Stevenson's recent win over Zepeda has only added fuel to the fire. With Shields singing his praises, it looks like Stevenson's star is on the rise.
