“As a fighter, he’s levels below. Like levels below. Levels like more than one level. It’s not even a close debate to even talk about. No, he’s levels below,” Shakur said on Andre Ward’s YouTube channel.
Stevenson acknowledged that Benn has improved in recent years, but believes the gap remains significant.
“What I will say about Conor Benn, he’s very focused and he’s getting better. He’s not just staying in the same spot. I see him kind of getting better. But when you’re at this level and someone at this level, you kind of keep getting a little bit better, but that’s not going to happen,” Shakur said.
When asked what separates them, Stevenson pointed to what he sees as a lack of experience and understanding of the sport.
“He doesn’t know enough. It’s not a lot of things he knows that I know,” Shakur said of Conor.
Stevenson also questioned Benn’s standing in the sport despite the money he earned during his career.
“I think Conor Benn is a hell of a businessman. He’s a low-level fighter making money at the highest level,” Shakur said.
Benn’s recent opposition includes Peter Dobson, Rodolfo Orozco, former WBA junior welterweight champion Regis Prograis, and Chris Eubank Jr. His wins over Prograis and Eubank came against opponents who were 37 and 35 years old respectively.
The two fighters have been linked to a possible future fight since Benn stepped into the ring following Stevenson’s win over Teofimo Lopez earlier this year. Stevenson revealed that his team had reached out about the fight, but said he was told Benn’s team was not interested.
Shakur currently holds the WBO light welterweight title, while Benn continues to campaign at welterweight. No fight between the two has been announced.
