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Shakur Stevenson names fighter he believes is the “future of the sport”

Written by Tom Eaton on 6th February 2024.

Shakur Stevenson

Shakur Stevenson praises fighter as the “future of the sport”

Three-division world champion, Shakur Stevenson, has often been lauded as the next star of boxing, as the Olympic silver medallist continues his ploy to conquer as many divisions as possible and maintain his undefeated record.

However, despite being just 26-years-old himself, Newark’s Stevenson has now tipped whom he believes will be the next ‘future of the sport’.

The triple champion Stevenson defeated Edwin De Los Santos back in November to claim the WBC lightweight title, but was heavily criticised for his dull performance, regardless of the achievement of a unanimous-decision win and a third-weight world title.

In recent days, as a result of an accumulation of both the abuse he received and his frustrations at being unable to secure a fight with his 135lb rivals, the Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist announced a shock retirement from boxing. Although there are few who believe his announcement was legitimate, as he is yet to vacate his world title to solidify his statement.

On social media, the 21-0 stylish southpaw looked toward the future, where he labelled 11-0 lightweight prospect, Abdullah Mason, as one to watch in the coming years.

“The future of the sport.”

After 80 amateur fights to his name at the age of 17-years-old, fresh-faced Mason signed a professional contract with Top Rank and made his pro debut in November 2021, where he knocked out Jaylan Phillips in two rounds.

Since then, word of the Ohio talent’s skills have caught wind and he has rapidly proved himself to be one of boxing’s most promising talents, scoring nine knockouts in his 11 wins to date, handing four opponents their first career losses.

In 2023, the active youngster fought on five occasions, winning four of those via stoppage. Now 19, Mason kickstarts his 2024 in Sin City on Superbowl weekend, fighting Benjamin Gurment (8-0-3) on the Teofimo Lopez versus Jamaine Ortiz card on Thursday 8th February.