Shakur believes that the Ukrainian team deliberately avoids meeting with him
Former world featherweight and super featherweight champion Shakur Stevenson said that the team of the ex-champion in three weight categories Vasily Lomachenko often needed his sparring services while preparing for other fights.
“Lomachenko was getting ready for some fight, I called to see if I could spar with him. I was told: “No, he’s not fighting a southpaw, you can’t spar with him.” So I waited and as soon as he fought Rigondeaux I called his team again. They agreed, but said they weren’t going to pay me to spar.”
“I don’t need a salary, I don’t care about being paid, this is not in my plans. My goal is to fight the best.”
“I sparred with him, we had a few rounds, and then they paid me because they needed me much more than they thought before. They used me much more than they expected.”
“Perhaps this is the problem with this situation, because now we cannot catch him. This is a big risk for them. But the reward is also big, I don’t know what’s the problem with these people.”
Stevenson has repeatedly challenged Lomachenko to a fight. In early July, the Ukrainian replied that he had “unfinished business with Haney.” Promoter Bob Arum announced a fight with Stevenson on November 16 in Las Vegas, Lomachenko was called one of the alleged rivals of the American. Arum later revealed that Vassily would not enter the ring in 2023.
The WBC is ready to sanction Lomachenko vs Stevenson for the lightweight title vacated by Devin Haney. Shakur is the mandatory contender for a title shot and Lomachenko is the most likely contender as number one.
Source: Sportarena
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
