Shakur Stevenson: Opponents | Amateur Record | Professional Foes | Trainer

Shakur Stevenson is one of the most technically gifted boxers of his generation — combining elite amateur pedigree, a flawless professional record, and a strategic, elusive fighting style. From standout performances in global amateur championships to his current status as an undefeated multi-weight world champion, Stevenson’s boxing journey is defined by discipline, adaptability, and strategic excellence.

Introduction: The Making of a Modern Boxing Star

Born Ash-Shakur Nafi-Shahid Stevenson on June 28, 1997, in Newark, New Jersey, this southpaw phenom quickly became one of the sport’s brightest prospects. His path through boxing has been marked by dominant amateur showings, Olympic success, and professional mastery across multiple weight classes.

From a young age, Stevenson demonstrated a unique combination of defensive wizardry, speed, and ring IQ — traits that would define his career at every level. His journey from junior championships to world titles offers insight into how an elite boxer is developed and refined.

Amateur Career: Foundation of a Champion

Before turning professional, Stevenson amassed an exceptional amateur résumé — the bedrock of his disciplined and analytical boxing style.

Major Amateur Achievements

The amateur career of Stevenson was marked by international success and numerous gold medals, including:

• 2013 USA Junior National Championships – Gold

• 2013 World Junior Championships – Gold

• 2014 USA Youth National Championships – Gold

• 2016 Rio Olympics – Silver Medalist

Amateur Record & Performance

Although exact amateur win–loss numbers are varied across sources, Stevenson’s consistent success at the junior and elite levels of amateur competition is clear:

• Dominant victories in major youth and world tournaments

• Advanced tactical ring awareness against international contenders

• Silver medal at the Rio Olympics — losing a close split decision in the finals

His amateur bouts were characterized by sharp reflexes, clean punching, and ring generalship — foundations that would later translate into his professional dominance.

Professional Career: Undefeated Rise Through Weight Classes

Stevenson debuted as a professional boxer in February 2017 under Top Rank promotions and immediately began building an impressive record. He has gone on to capture world titles in three weight divisions — featherweight, super featherweight, and lightweight — and remains undefeated.

Stevenson’s Professional Record (Summary)

• Pro Record: 24–0 (11 KOs)

• Titles Held:

  • WBO Featherweight

  • WBO/WBC/The Ring Super Featherweight

  • WBC Lightweight

• Fight Style: Southpaw, defensive mastery, precision punching

The following sections break down Shakur Stevenson’s most notable professional opponents and how Stevenson handled each challenge.

Notable Professional Opponents

1. William Zepeda (Jul 12, 2025)

Stevenson scored a UD12 (unanimous decision) victory over highly-ranked Mexican contender William Zepeda, defending his WBC lightweight title. This pivotal win further solidified Stevenson’s status as the division’s elite.

Zepeda — known for tough pressure and a high work rate — tested Stevenson’s defensive skills, but Stevenson prevailed through tactical movement and accuracy.

2. Josh Padley (Feb 22, 2025)

A last-minute replacement, British lightweight Josh Padley stepped in with only days to prepare. Undeterred, Stevenson earned a TKO in Round 9, showcasing both patience and finishing power.

Padley’s spirited effort earned respect, but Stevenson’s championship experience was the deciding factor.

3. Artem Harutyunyan (Jul 6, 2024)

German Olympic bronze medalist Artem Harutyunyan challenged Stevenson for the WBC lightweight title. Stevenson beat Harutyunyan by unanimous decision, combining defense and movement to outbox the rugged contender.

4. Oscar Valdez (Apr 30, 2022)

In one of his most high-profile wins, Stevenson defeated former world champion Oscar Valdez by UD12, unifying super featherweight belts. Valdez brought pressure and power, but Stevenson neutralized both through counterpunching.

5. Robson Conceição (Sep 23, 2022)

Brazilian Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição tested Stevenson’s technique in a dominant tactical bout — another unanimous decision win for Stevenson that highlighted superior timing and defense.

6. Shuichiro Yoshino (Apr 8, 2023)

Stevenson dispatched Japanese contender Shuichiro Yoshino via KO6, proving his ability to capitalize on openings and finish a fight when the opportunity arises.

7. Other Early Foes

Stevenson’s early career included victories over challengers like Jamel Herring, Jeremiah Nakathila, Christopher Diaz, Alberto Guevara, and Viorel Simion — all wins contributing to his climb through the ranks.

Trainer: The Man Behind the Ring IQ

A key part of Stevenson’s success is his coaching and developer — his trainer:

Willie Moses

Stevenson’s primary trainer throughout his professional career has been Willie Moses — a coach known for prioritizing defense, ring intelligence, and precision — attributes that define Stevenson’s style.

Moses’ influence shows in:

• Stevenson’s ability to avoid punishment

• Strategic footwork and angles

• Accurate counterpunching

Stevenson also previously worked with Kay Koroma during his Olympic preparation, underscoring the strong developmental foundation in his formative years.

Style Breakdown: Technical Wizardry in the Ring

Stevenson’s boxing style is widely regarded among analysts as one of the most difficult to defeat. His key attributes include:

• Southpaw stance: Creates awkward angles for orthodox fighters

• Elite defense: Makes opponents miss frequently

• Smart counterpunching: Converts defense into offense

• Ring generalship: Controls distance and tempo

The strategic nature of his fights means he often outboxes opponents over 12 rounds rather than overwhelming them with sheer aggression — a factor that fuels both admiration and debate among boxing fans.

Recent Spotlight: Upcoming Clash with Teofimo Lopez

Shakur Stevenson’s next high-profile test comes against Teofimo Lopez — a fellow undefeated contender and exciting stylistic matchup. This fight has generated buzz and narrative tension, including a resurfaced sparring clip from their amateur days, and contrasting styles that set up an intriguing tactical battle.

Analysts believe Stevenson’s defensive prowess may counter Lopez’s aggression, making this one of the most anticipated lightweight fights of the year.

Legacy and Future Outlook

At just 28 years old, Stevenson’s legacy is still evolving. His undefeated professional record, combined with multi-division titles and elite amateur pedigree, positions him among the sport’s present and future greats.

Potential future challenges — including matchups with elite pound-for-pound fighters — loom on the horizon, adding to Stevenson’s already impressive body of work.

FAQs About Shakur Stevenson

1. What is Shakur Stevenson’s amateur record?
Stevenson achieved multiple national and international titles, including a Silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and gold at junior world championships, before moving to the pros.

2. What is Shakur Stevenson’s current professional record?
As of 2025–2026, Stevenson is unbeaten with a 24–0 record, including 11 KOs and multiple world titles across weight divisions.

3. Who has Stevenson fought professionally?
Stevenson’s notable opponents include William Zepeda, Josh Padley, Artem Harutyunyan, Oscar Valdez, Robson Conceição, Shuichiro Yoshino, and several other accomplished fighters.

4. Who trains Shakur Stevenson?
His main professional trainer is Willie Moses, whose strategic guidance complements Stevenson’s defensive style.

5. What weight divisions has Stevenson competed in?
Stevenson has won titles at featherweight, super featherweight, and lightweight, showcasing versatility across divisions.

Conclusion

Shakur Stevenson’s rise from amateur standout to world champion encapsulates a modern boxing trajectory defined by talent, preparation, and tactical brilliance. As he continues to face elite opponents and pursue unification fights, his legacy grows with every calculated step he takes in the squared circle.