Shakur Stevenson Offers to replace Berchelt, Willing to Fight Valdez Dec 12th

He’s in full camp right now, I’m saying I’m willing to jump in training camp tomorrow and fight Valdez Dec12th with no problem at all
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) November 4, 2020

https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/30258628/shakur-stevenson-offers-replace-miguel-berchelt-dec-12-junior-lightweight-fight-vs-oscar-valdez Former featherweight world titlist Shakur Stevenson has publicly offered to face Oscar Valdez at junior lightweight on Dec. 12 after Valdez's original opponent, Miguel Berchelt, tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday. Stevenson (14-0, 8 KOs) told ESPN he has informed his managers to inquire about the possibility of fighting Valdez in order to salvage the Top Rank card. "I'm not saying he's scared or anything, but I don't think he likes my style, I think my style is too much for him," Stevenson said Wednesday. "I feel like right now it's the perfect opportunity to fight him. Valdez has been in full training camp preparing for Berchelt, but I don't think he should have to wait." Stevenson, 23, insists he is in good enough shape to dive into a five-week training camp in order to prepare for Valdez. "I've been in the gym staying in shape, so five weeks is perfect for me," he said. Valdez (28-0, 22 KOs) was ordered to defend his WBO featherweight title against Stevenson last year, but ultimately vacated to begin his journey at lightweight. Stevenson is coming off a sixth-round knockout victory over Felix Caraballo in the Top Rank bubble in June. Valdez stopped Jayson Velez in July via 10th-round technical knockout in his first contest at lightweight.

Comments (15)

Squ9633redCircle34

why do you think Stevenson took it. I bet he wouldnt have if it were Valdez who tested positive and Berchelt had no opponent. He was Valdez’s mandatory challenger at 126 and Valdez conveniently moved up when all of a sudden he had to fight Shakur but chose to vacate and now coincidentally both are available to fight each other again and Valdez has been quiet! Just like Berchelt didn’t want to fight Jamel Herring but rather fight a career featherweight or move up to fight Lomachenko! Stevenson has called out Berchelt as well, and I’m fully confident that he would take him on if Valdez was tested positive and Berchelt was free!

5y ago

Fangedgrowl

Horrible match up for Valdez, he would get outboxed and down the stretch it would be target practice where it’s only Valdez’s amazing chin and incredible heart that sees black Through the final bell! But I still would want to see that fight, Teo has started a trend and I’m all for it! why do you think Stevenson took it. I bet he wouldnt have if it were Valdez who tested positive and Berchelt had no opponent.

5y ago

CLUE

They both have trash resumes, Haney even more so. Easy to "call people out" and continue fighting tomato cans. Haney's first step up fight is a washed up Gamboa plagued with injuries. That's sad. People barely post on here because of dumb post like this. Where all logic is ignored.

5y ago

Robi13

Make it happen ESPN

5y ago

TX_BOXNG

Oscar being called out n put on the spot, he already seem to avoid Shakur in the lower division, lets see whats the new excuse, its looking like ESPN is pushing TR to make it lol not what Bob wants tho lol I'll still be rooting for Valdez he needs to accept the match up publicly at least

5y ago

_original_

Teo is not setting no tread, Haney and Shakur have been calling for big fights. And Haney had one lined up, till Top Rank and Loma pulled some bs. They both have trash resumes, Haney even more so. Easy to "call people out" and continue fighting tomato cans. Haney's first step up fight is a washed up Gamboa plagued with injuries. That's sad.

5y ago

keepemup

Teo is not setting no tread, Haney and Shakur have been calling for big fights. And Haney had one lined up, till Top Rank and Loma pulled some bs. Still. Teo was the first one to actually do it. I would expect that fights are easier to make afterwards.

5y ago

CLUE

Teo setting a trend. I have Valdez though, think he batters feather fists after being outboxed a few rounds. Teo is not setting no tread, Haney and Shakur have been calling for big fights. And Haney had one lined up, till Top Rank and Loma pulled some bs.

5y ago

BoxingIsGreat

This is the fight to make. Arum has a different idea.

5y ago

Squ9633redCircle34

5y ago

ramses07

lol Valdez isnt doing that Shakur might not pack the biggest punch but hes skillful and athletic, and probably a lot taller. really bad matchup for Valdez

5y ago

_original_

Teo setting a trend. I have Valdez though, think he batters feather fists after being outboxed a few rounds.

5y ago

Punch_on_Tap

Man I love these young kids. Dudes want to be great. To offer yourself as a replacement when you clearly don’t have to is big balls.

5y ago

CLUE

.@ShakurStevenson offers to replace Berchelt in December if Valdez is game. pic.twitter.com/YCVAHAxLjL— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) November 4, 2020

5y ago

ShoulderRoll

It won't happen. But I would love to see it.

5y ago