By: Hans Themistode
For much of the 1980s, Thomas Hearns, “Sugar” Ray Leonard, “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler, and Roberto Duran defined the period of stardom in the sport of boxing. With all four making their mark by winning multiple world titles in multiple weight classes, many have been looking for new generations of boxers who can and will usurp their thrones.
Now, the talented quartet of Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez – has been seen as this generation’s version of those previously named Hall of Famers.
Despite becoming a two-timer and at the same age as his contemporaries, Shakur Stevenson is rarely mentioned among them. However, after seeing the first of those 4 of Lopez suffer the first defeat of his career last weekend at the hands of George Kambosos Jr., Stevenson is wondering if his name is on it. can replace Lopez in the grand scheme of things.
“So can I step into the conversation of the 4 kings now?” Stevenson asked on his social media account.
Before this weekend’s mostly unexpected results took place, Lopez was already ranking high in almost every reliable pound for the pound list. His placement along the best of sports came mainly after registering the most impressive win of his career over Vasyl Lomachenko late last year.
Despite entering their match as a sizable underdog, Lopez both worked well and overtook the Ukrainian star. In the process, he won the IBF, WBO, WBA and WBC Franchise lightweight titles.
After the win, Lopez was forced to sit on the bench. Although he was ordered to defend his newly won title against Kambosos Jr., his must-competitor, a few months ago the 24-year-old saw their competition suffer countless delays they eat.
When Lopez and Kambosos Jr finally exchanged fists at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater last weekend, the ultra-confident young star was sly in his unannounced approach to opponents.
In the end, Lopez paid the price when he was dropped in the opening round en route to having his title reign cut short through the split decision.
While Stevenson once campaigned for his name to replace Lopez in the young star population, the former Olympic silver medalist seems to have changed his mind. From the two-tournament champion’s point of view, it makes no sense for his status to be elevated to the same level as his peers. Instead, he’s more concerned with being recognized as a superior.
“No, I’m fine, I don’t want it,” Stevenson continued. “I’d rather stand alone.”
