“At this current time, there is no fighter in the world that can beat me,” Shakur told Fred VanVleet, clarifying his position as he continues to build momentum in the lightweight division.
The statement comes after a one-sided performance against Teofimo that many saw as his most complete performance last January. Shakur controlled the action from start to finish, but he admitted the fight brought more uncertainty than the outcome suggested.
“I was nervous. It’s Teo,” Stevenson said. “It was like 50/50. I wasn’t surprised.”
The mix of confidence and caution reflects a mindset he says has sharpened over time, especially in how he approaches the moments outside the ring. Shakur admitted that earlier in his career he let outside criticism get to him, often responding directly to comments on social media.
“Before, I fed into it. I couldn’t help it,” Shakur said. “Now I try my best not to even get into it on Twitter.”
He explained that constant back-and-forth only intensified the attention surrounding criticism, rather than silencing it. Learning to step away from that cycle has become part of his routine as he focuses more closely on his preparation and performances.
“If you respond, you make it bigger,” Stevenson said.
That shift reflects a broader approach he has taken to his career. Shakur has described himself as someone who prefers training and competition to the lifestyle that can come with the sport.
“I’m not really a party person. I like going to the gym,” he said.
He remains focused on his training and performances as he looks ahead to his next fight in a division full of big names. Shakur has made it clear that he is willing to face any of them, but his message remains the same as it stands now.
Stevenson believes that the level he showed against Teofimo is one that others have yet to reach, and he sees no opponent who can match it.
