Shakur Stevenson: Highlights| Where is From| Girlfriend

Introduction

Shakur Stevenson—born Ash-Shakur Nafi-Shahid Stevenson on June 28, 1997—is a rising star in professional boxing. Known for his slick southpaw style, disciplined training, and impressive ring intelligence, Stevenson has swiftly climbed the ranks, cementing his place as one of the sport’s most promising talents.

1. Where Is He From? A Newark Prodigy

Stevenson hails from Newark, New Jersey, a city where he was born and raised. Named after the legendary rapper Tupac Shakur—who passed away just nine months before Stevenson’s birth—he was introduced to boxing at an incredibly young age. At just five years old, under his grandfather Wali Moses’ tutelage at a local gym, Stevenson began his journey in pugilism.

This early start in Newark shaped his identity. The city’s tough environment and his grandfather’s mentorship instilled grit, work ethic, and a hunger for excellence—traits that would become hallmarks of his professional career.

2. Highlights: The Fight-Making Journey

Stevenson’s boxing journey is studded with remarkable accomplishments, both amateur and professional.

Amateur Career: A Golden Foundation

• Represented the United States at the 2016 Summer Olympics, securing a silver medal in the bantamweight division.

• Prior to that, he dominated youth competitions—winning gold at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games (flyweight), Youth World Championships, and Junior World Championships. These amateur triumphs forged his ring poise, technical foundation, and international experience.

Professional Career: Three-Division Champion

Since debuting as a professional in 2017, Stevenson has maintained a perfect undefeated record (24-0 with 11 KOs).

Titles Held:

• WBO featherweight champion (won in October 2019 via victory over Joet Gonzalez) Wikipedia.

• WBO and WBC super featherweight champion, also unifying The Ring title after defeating Óscar Valdez in April 2022—then proposing to his fiancée in the ring post-fight.

• WBC lightweight champion since November 2023 and first defense held in his hometown of Newark.

Memorable Fights & Style:

• In the showdown with Valdez, Stevenson landed 189 of 580 punches (32.6% accuracy), while Valdez managed 110 of 508 (21.7%)—a testament to Stevenson’s precision and tactical superiority.

• His versatility in the ring, from slick defensive moves to calculated offense, draws comparisons to the finesse of Floyd Mayweather. Fans and experts alike admire his pocket defense and adaptability—and he even gets inspired nods to legends when he thrives in tough spots:

  “That type of skill level… The last time someone looked that good on the ropes, it was Floyd…”

3. Personal Life: Fiancée & Family

A glimpse into Stevenson’s heart reveals love, loyalty, and family values.

Love Story with Young Lyric

• Shakur Stevenson is engaged to Michelle Ragston, popularly known as Young Lyric, a hip-hop recording artist and fashion model.

• The proposal took place in the ring immediately after his triumphant bout with Oscar Valdez in 2022.

• In 2021, the couple welcomed their first child—a daughter named Leilani Asha Stevenson born in December.

Supporting Each Other and Balancing Fame

Despite his rise in boxing, Stevenson recognizes Young Lyric’s success, especially on social media—she often draws more attention, and he takes it in stride:

“We’ll be at the mall and somebody will come up to her like, ‘Yo, can I take a picture?’ … And I’m like, ‘Damn… Like I’m somebody too!’” The Sun

They uplift each other’s goals and achievements:

“Honestly, we try to keep each other on a straight path… You wanna push each other to become great.”

Also, Stevenson adheres to old-school discipline—training year-round, abstaining during bouts, and removing distractions from camp—even distancing himself from family during preparations to stay focused. As for their daughter, he hopes she leans toward arts or athletics—but not boxing:

“She ain’t no fighter… Hopefully she gets into music… boxing ain’t gonna be one of them.”

4. Friendships, Respect, and Loyalty

One standout relationship is with fellow boxer Keyshawn Davis, an Olympic silver medalist turned pro. Despite both excelling at lightweight, Davis refuses to fight Stevenson because of their deep friendship—real mutual respect and loyalty over all else �?citeturn0news20:

“No, I’d never fight him… I know his entire family… It is not even all about Shakur… His family would be devastated if we fought.”

This speaks volumes about Stevenson’s character and the bonds he cherishes beyond the ring.

5. Future Outlook: What Lies Ahead

Shakur Stevenson’s trajectory continues to point upward:

• He consistently opts for cautious yet masterful fight strategies, earning respect in the division and interest from fans and analysts alike.

• Upcoming defenses, such as the confirmed fight with William Zepeda, stand as opportunities to showcase more dominance in lightweight — and possibly springboards toward blockbuster matchups. Recent commentary highlights that fight as a potential “comeback” or breakout moment.

• Outside the ring, with Young Lyric’s backing and his commitment to discipline, he’s building a legacy that balances athletic success with family values—making him a relatable role model.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

Shakur Stevenson is more than just a world-class boxer—he’s a well-rounded, disciplined athlete whose roots in Newark anchor his humility, drive, and identity. His ring mastery, undefeated record, and multiple division titles underscore his greatness, while his grounded personal life—especially his relationship with Young Lyric—adds depth and relatability.

As he continues to defend his titles and attract attention both inside and outside the ring, he remains one of boxing’s most compelling figures: talented, humble, strategic, and rooted in family values. Keep an eye on Stevenson—his best chapters might still be ahead.