“At this current cut-off date, there’s no fighter on the earth that would beat me,” Shakur said to Fred VanVleet, making his position clear as he continues to construct momentum within the lightweight division.
The statement comes after a one-sided showing against Teofimo that many viewed as his most complete performance last January. Shakur controlled the motion from start to complete, but he admitted the fight carried more uncertainty moving into than the result suggested.
“I used to be nervous. That is Teo,” Stevenson said. “It was like 50/50. I wasn’t surprised.”
The combination of confidence and caution reflected a mindset that he says has sharpened over time, particularly in how he approaches the moments outside the ring. Shakur acknowledged that earlier in his profession, he allowed outside criticism to affect him, often responding on to comments on social media.
“Before, I used to feed into it. I couldn’t help it,” Shakur said. “Now I try my best to not even get into it on Twitter.”
He explained that constant back-and-forth exchanges only amplified the eye around criticism, reasonably than quieting it. Learning to step away from that cycle has change into a part of his routine as he focuses more closely on his preparation and performances.
“Whenever you respond, you make it greater,” Stevenson said.
That shift reflects a broader approach he has taken to his profession. Shakur described himself as someone who prefers training and competition over the life-style that may include the game.
“I ain’t really sort of party sort of dude. I like going to the gym,” he said.
He’s staying focused on his training and performances as he looks ahead to his next fight in a division full of big names. Shakur has made clear he’s willing to face any of them, but his message stays the identical because it stands now.
Stevenson believes the extent he showed against Teofimo is one which others have yet to achieve, and he sees no opponent who can match it.
