Shakur Stevenson was amused to learn today that Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz said he wants to fight the winner of Shakur’s fight against WBO 140-lb champion Teofimo Lopez in 2026.
When Stevenson moved up to 135, ‘Pitbull’ Cruz was one of a handful of fighters he called out with no luck. Now gaining popularity in fashion and becoming a regular on the undercards of Turki Alalshikh’s events, Cruz has changed his tune and is interested in facing the winner of his fight against Teofimo.
When Shakur called out “Pitbull,” it came after he was booed and heavily criticized by fans for running against Edwin De Los Santos in their November 2023 fight. Stevenson was even booed after the fight when he walked back to his locker room. The timing of his call out of Cruz was poor.
Shakur’s “They Need Me Now” moment
For Cruz, it’s more about the WBO light welterweight belt than being eager to face Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs), and having to chase him around the ring for 12 rounds.
“They need me now, huh?” Shakur Stevenson said on X, responding to Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz saying he wants to fight the winner of Shakur’s fight with WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez.
In Shakur’s mind, the roles are reversed. He is on top and can call the shots. However, he didn’t beat any of the A-level or elite-level fighters at lightweight.
Avoid the A-level smoke?
Shakur’s promoters suited him well and cut him off from the dangerous fighters in the division who would mess up his career. That’s why Shakur fought guys like Josh Padley, Artem Harutyunyan, William Zepeda and Shuichiro Yoshino rather than Abdullah Mason and Floyd Schofield.
Stevenson did not say whether he would agree to face Cruz if he prevails against Teofimo. However, it is unlikely that he will, as he has already said he will “give” the WBO 140-lb belt to his “brother” #1 Keyshawn Davis, as if it were a possession to be given. Stevenson wants to move up to welterweight and face Conor Benn in a stadium fight in April in the UK.
Fighting Benn would be a bigger fight for Shakur than staying at 140 and facing WBC interim champion Cruz.
Cruz has to beat Roach first
“I would like to face the winner of Teofimo vs. Shakur,” ‘Pitbull’ Cruz told the media today.
Cruz still needs to defeat Lamont Roach this Saturday night before he can start calling out fighters like Stevenson. Many fans believe he has no chance of winning that fight.
Last updated on 12/04/2025
