Shakur Stevenson's Reign as WBC Lightweight Champion Ends
The WBC, based in Mexico City, announced on Wednesday that they have stripped Stevenson of his lightweight title. This decision was made due to a rule that prevents champions from holding world titles from other governing bodies in different weight classes simultaneously. Stevenson, a rising star in the boxing world, had recently won the Ring and WBO junior welterweight titles from Teofimo Lopez, making him a four-weight world champion.
Following his victory, Stevenson expressed his willingness to defend his Ring and WBO belts in the 140-pound division or return to the 135-pound division for the right challenge. However, the WBC's decision to strip him of his title seems to have been influenced by a different matter.
According to subsequent statements on X (formerly Twitter), Stevenson was stripped of his title because he refused to pay a $100,000 fee to the WBC related to his fight with Lopez. Since there was no WBC belt on the line during that fight, the fee seemed unjustified. Stevenson expressed his frustration, questioning the necessity of paying such a large sum to the WBC, especially given their lack of involvement in the fight.
This incident also brings to light the ongoing feud between the WBC and Stevenson's close friend and mentor, Terence Crawford. Crawford had a public disagreement with WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman over a $300,000 sanctioning fee for his fight against Canelo Alvarez. Crawford's refusal to pay the fee, which was deemed excessive compared to fees charged by other governing bodies, further highlights the tension between the WBC and its champions.
Despite the controversy, Stevenson's performance against Lopez was impressive. He showcased his skill and control, winning the fight by unanimous decision. Stevenson's dominance in the ring has earned him a reputation as a formidable boxer, and his success in multiple weight classes is a testament to his talent.
The WBC's interim lightweight champion, Jadier Herrera, remains in the running, but Stevenson's stripping from the title has opened up opportunities for other contenders. The WBC's No. 1 lightweight contender, William Zepeda, is now in the spotlight, despite Stevenson's previous victory over him. This development adds an intriguing layer to the boxing world, leaving fans and critics alike to speculate about the future of the lightweight division.
