In a recent chat on 'The Arena', Stevenson shared his thoughts on how today's fighters are too careful. He said:
"I feel like the guys in this generation are scared to risk it all. Everyone wants to be undefeated. People are afraid to take risks. They'd rather go and fight a fight with more notoriety than fight a guy who's the best."
Stevenson believes Mayweather started this trend. He stayed unbeaten, talked a certain way, and that changed boxing. Now, many fighters care more about keeping a perfect record than taking on tough challenges.
Jim Gray, a well-known commentator, agrees with Stevenson. Gray thinks Mayweather's focus on "the zero" in his record has messed up boxing. He argues that now, the record matters more than the legacy.
It's worth noting that Stevenson was once mentored by Mayweather. His criticism shows he's willing to speak his mind, even about someone he looked up to.
Mayweather's impact on boxing is still debated. He ended his career with a perfect 50-0 record. But the question remains: at what cost to the sport?
Stevenson, who's often compared to Mayweather for his defensive skills, clearly wants to see a change. He's calling out the current elite for playing it safe rather than seeking out the toughest fights.