Dana White clears up Shakur Stevenson vs Manny Pacquiao rumour
The recent rumour mill regarding the next fight for Shakur Stevenson went into overdrive, with reports suggesting the undefeated American would face the legendary Filipino multi-weight world champion, Manny Pacquiao. It was suggested this fight would be the co-main event to the Will They, Won’t They fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. Zuffa Boxing boss and UFC president Dana White has clarified these rumours during the Zuffa Boxing 11 post-fight presser.
Shakur Stevenson vs Manny Pacquiao rumours addressed
Across social media, many boxing fans negatively reacted to Stevenson vs Pacquiao. When asked at the Zuffa Boxing 11 post-fight presser about the recent rumours regarding a potential Shakur Stevenson vs Manny Pacquiao fight, Dana White said: “Yeah, that’s not true. I don’t know where that came from.”
He was also asked about Keyshawn Davis vs Richardson Hitchins, which had also been rumoured to be set for the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: “That one’s more than likely, yeah,” revealed White.
“This thing’s a whole s**t show right now, we’ll all know a lot more in the next three or four days,” said White when asked about the Tyson Fury vs David Benavidez rumours.
The Big Fight Weekend verdict: What could be next for Shakur Stevenson
Dan Rafael has recently reported via his X account that Zuffa Boxing has contacted PBC to make an offer for Gary Antuanne Russell (19-1, 17 KOs) to face Shakur Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) in a WBA/WBO super lightweight unification bout.
Looking at what’s available in the weight class, from a quality and event POV, this proposed bout makes more sense than most, including the turgid rumour of Stevenson vs a 47-year-old Manny Pacquiao.
Stevenson was dominant against Teofimo Lopez at the beginning of the year, but has since signed with Zuffa Boxing, but yet to fight. Undoubtedly one of the best boxers in any weight class, we need to see Shakur back in action sooner rather than later, in the biggest fights possible.
Featured Image Credit:
Vicki Lewis, Michelle Farsi / MSGE
Ricky Carroll
Freelance Writer and Digital Marketer, spending most of his time waiting for Andy Cruz to win a world title. Also watches YouTube videos of Lennox Lewis fights on a daily basis.