Shakur Stevenson feels betrayed, calling the WBC 'crooks' after they stripped him of his world title! It's a dramatic turn of events for the boxing sensation, and you'll want to know exactly why this happened.
Just this past weekend, the incredible 28-year-old pound-for-pound star showcased his dominance by moving up to super-lightweight. In a truly exceptional performance, he outclassed Teofimo Lopez, relieving him of his WBO belt and winning nearly every round on the scorecards. This victory cemented his status as a four-division world champion.
While returning to the lightweight division was a possibility for Stevenson, it now comes with a catch: he wouldn't be a champion there. The World Boxing Council (WBC) announced today that the lightweight title Stevenson secured in November 2023 has been declared vacant. The WBC stated, "In light of Champion Stevenson now being the reigning WBO Super Lightweight World Champion and consistent with the WBC Rules & Regulations, the WBC has declared vacant its Lightweight World title." They also extended well wishes for his future endeavors.
However, Stevenson didn't take this news sitting down. He took to social media, expressing his strong displeasure. He questioned the decision, stating, "And I just paid these dudes after my last fight… What the hell [am I] giving y’all 100k right now for? Because y’all got beef with Bud so come at me for it." He continued, "100k to some crooks who don’t deserve it? Nah Leilani I rather give it to you baby girl… The WBC didn’t even have s–t to do with this fight and it’s eating them alive. Take your belt it don’t make me."
But here's where it gets controversial... Stevenson's strong reaction appears to stem from a perceived connection between the WBC's decision and a recent dispute involving his close friend, mentor, and training partner, Terence Crawford. Crawford was also stripped of his WBC super-middleweight belt, allegedly for failing to pay the required fees. Crawford, who had unified multiple titles by defeating Canelo Alvarez, later retired and was quite vocal in his criticism of the WBC.
And this is the part most people miss... Stevenson seems to believe the WBC is targeting him indirectly due to his association with Crawford, rather than any direct infraction on his part. The WBC's official statement, while wishing him well, doesn't offer a detailed explanation beyond referencing their rules and his status as a current champion in another division.
Stevenson's next career move is now uncertain, but it's highly probable that pursuing another title with the World Boxing Council might be off the table for the time being.
What do you think about the WBC's decision? Do you believe Stevenson's accusations of unfair treatment are justified, or is the WBC simply enforcing its rules? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
