Shakur Stevenson is establishing himself as one of the best in his era, but there is one boxing icon he is glad to have not crossed paths with.
Stevenson is now a four-weight world champion, following his victory over WBO super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden in New York last month.
It was a dominant performance from the 28-year-old, as he claimed the unanimous decision victory after all three judges scored the bout 119-109 in his favour.
That triumph at 140lbs has gone alongside his world title reigns at featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight, and as of yet nobody has come close to beating Stevenson, who currently holds an unbeaten record of 25-0.
Despite all of his success, Stevenson has revealed there is a Hall of Fame fighter from the past that he would have been weary of facing.
Posting on social media, Stevenson named four-division world champion Pernell Whitaker as the man in question.
“So happy Sweet Pea didn’t box in our era.”
So happy Sweet Pea didn’t box in our era!!
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) February 25, 2025
Just like Stevenson, Whitaker was known for his elite defensive skills, as he won world titles at lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight.
During his peak, he claimed notable wins over the likes of Juan Mazario, Buddy McGirt and Azumah Nelson, and also had a controversial draw with Julio Cesar Chavez Sr, with virtually every onlooker believing that Whitaker should have won.
At the end of his career, ‘Sweet Pea’ also shared the ring with Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad, as his final record stood at 40 wins from 46 fights.