The shade might’ve been too much from the up-and-coming star.
Standing on the blue corner is Shakur Stevenson, an undefeated, 25-year-old lightweight with 20 wins, including 10 by knockout, under his belt. In many pundits’ eyes, he is a pure boxer with undeniable talent. The American's biggest win to date is a silver medal finish in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Meanwhile, standing on the red corner is boxing legend Manny Pacquiao who needs no further introduction.
The major gap in stature between the two, however, didn’t stop the brash Stevenson from throwing shade at the eight-division champion.
In an interview with a boxing vlog channel called Say Cheese, Shakur had some strong words for the fighting pride of the Philippines.
"I think I would smoke him, Pacquiao," the New Jersey native said.
“I like Pacquiao but I was going to make sure he’d take them tests,” he added.
Years ago, Pacquiao had been unfairly accused by Floyd Mayweather’s camp of using performance-enhancing drugs. Based on his comments, Stevenson is still somehow holding on to those unfounded claims by the Money team.
All things considered, it wouldn’t be surprising if a huge chunk of the boxing public would perceive Stevenson’s comments on Manny as straight-up blasphemous.
That said, the young lion didn't back down on his controversial take.
“I wouldn’t fight him without making sure everything was straight as far as no cheating.”
It doesn’t sound like Stevenson is doing himself any favors talking smack like that.
(GM)