Shakur Stevenson expressed interest in a future fight with lightweight prospect Abdullah Mason. The WBC 135-lb champion, Shakur, holds Mason in high regard and believes Top Rank should not rush him in his career.
Abdullah Mason, a 20-year-old from Bedford, Ohio, is seen as a potential future superstar with more talent than Shakur. Despite Top Rank’s investment in Shakur after the 2016 Olympics, his popularity did not grow as expected, leading him to recently sign with Matchroom.
Shakur’s defensive fighting style, reminiscent of Mayweather’s, has not resonated well with today’s fans who prefer more action-packed bouts. Mason, standing at 5’9″, is viewed as a bigger and more powerful opponent for Shakur, who struggled in his last fight against Edwin De Los Santos.
If a fight between Shakur and Mason were to happen in the next few years, it might not be competitive due to Shakur’s potential decline and lack of punching power. Uncertainty looms over Shakur’s career beyond 2025, especially if he faces tough challenges like #1 WBC contender William Zepeda.
Abdullah Mason, in his third year as a pro, will face Yohan Vasquez in an upcoming fight on November 8th. Shakur respects Mason’s progress and believes he is being developed correctly by Top Rank.
Shakur envisions ending his career at a weight between 140-147 pounds, acknowledging his growth patterns. Mason’s impressive performances on Shakur’s undercards have garnered attention and positioned him as a rising star in the sport.
