WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson is building momentum toward a potential clash with Mexico’s William Zepeda, though the fight is not yet confirmed. Zepeda won the Interim WBC lightweight title after a closely contested victory over former IBF super featherweight champion Tevin Farmer in Riyadh on Saturday.

Adding fuel to the buzz, Oscar De La Hoya, Zepeda’s promoter, took a jab at Stevenson’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, on social media, mocking Hearn’s 14 losses as a promoter in 2024. Stevenson fired back with a subtle hint that the fight could take place in February, claiming the losing streak would change. Meanwhile, fans are abuzz as a new clip surfaced online showing Stevenson training alongside Terence Crawford, seemingly preparing for the potential matchup. 

Shakur Stevenson: Training for greatness or running from criticism?

Earlier today, Matchroom Boxing, who signed Stevenson on August 22, 2024, after the Newark native parted ways with Top Rank, shared the clip in question. “Already a three-division World Champion but still willing to learn in pursuit of more greatness,” they captioned the post. “@shakurstevenson in the lab with @tbudcrawford back in the summer. A massive 2025 awaits.”

In the clip, Crawford and Stevenson—long-time friends and sparring partners—are seen sharpening their skills together. ‘Bud’ shared valuable pointers with Stevenson, focusing on strategies to handle a running opponent. Notably, Stevenson has faced accusations of avoiding engagement in his recent fights. 

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Critics pointed to his performances against Edwin De Los Santos and Artem Harutyunyan, where the 27-year-old drew sharp criticism for his defensive approach. Many labeled him as overly cautious, accusing him of running away and landing minimal punches while avoiding exchanges. So, with Stevenson’s new training footage coming to light with Crawford, fans seem to have rejuvenated those criticisms, highlighting the irony in what Crawford is teaching him. 

DeenTheGreat takes aim at Stevenson’s boxing

Earlier this year, Stevenson was scheduled to fight Joe Cordina on October 12th, but a hand injury forced the fight to get canceled. Regardless, seeing Stevenson back in the gym, training with Crawford, DeenTheGreat responded by taking digs at the lightweight. “Well, Shakur be running, so how that gone work?🤣🤣,” Deen wrote. Notably, it’s a strategy to avoid punches; some say it’s the purest form of boxing—hit and don’t get hit. 

Meanwhile, another user seemed worried about Stevenson’s hand. “I’m surprised Stevenson didn’t hurt his hand. He [is] punching the mitts too hard bruh,” the user commented. Since the potential matchup is in February, his hand would be healed by then—if it hasn’t already. 

The next user highlighted the irony of Crawford teaching Stevenson to catch a running opponent. “The irony of Bud teaching Shakur how to hit a guy that’s running 😂,” the user wrote. Stevenson has always been a defensive fighter, so it would make sense for him to work on his offensive, that is, if he plans to change his strategy for his next fight. 

Someone else pointed out the issue with teaching Stevenson to catch a running opponent. “The only problem with that fantastic advice is that no one’s running away from him,” the user commented. However, Harutyunyan definitely tried to avoid many of Stevenson’s punches. 

This user shared some advice for Stevenson. “All [that] to run around for 12. Tell him [to] sit down on some punches,” the user wrote. Regardless of Stevenson’s training, only his next fight will reveal which route he chooses—to stand and fight or avoid damage. 

That said, the fans clearly aren’t over Stevenson’s last couple of performances, as a potential William Zepeda fight hangs in the balance. Whether Shakur Stevenson would pay heed to Crawford’s advice is yet to be seen. What did you think of the training footage?