Shakur Stevenson vs Conor Benn: Eddie Hearn gives his honest reaction

On Saturday, January 31, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Shakur Stevenson climbed to the super lightweight division to defeat Teofimo Lopez to win the lineal and WBO super lightweight titles.

This was a historic win for Shakur, as the victory ensured he became a four-division world champion. While in the ring at MSG, Stevenson called out Conor Benn, and Eddie Hearn has spoken to First Round TV about a potential Stevenson-Benn fight at 147 pounds.

Shakur Stevenson creates history against Teofimo Lopez

Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) produced a masterful performance against Lopez, as he controlled the tempo and distance by working smartly off his jab. Watching Shakur anticipate everything Lopez would do was impressive to watch. 

The way he just peers over his shoulder and slips many punches that come his way is a joy to watch. He dominated from start to finish, and the one-sided nature of the fight was reflected on the scorecards, which all had Shakur winning by unanimous decision, 119-109.

When asked in the ring who he wanted to do next, Shakur Stevenson said:

“There’s a fighter in here right now, and he motivated me too. Where’s Conor Benn?” 

“Hey Conor Benn, we can get it banging, boy. We can get it banging!”

Stevenson added: “I want that same rehydration clause that you put on (Chris) Eubank Jr. and I want a fight.”

Before anyone could blink, Benn was in the ring to confront Stevenson: 

“You’re too small for me,” Benn told the undefeated Stevenson. “You’re tiny, you’re tiny. You can’t punch. You can’t keep me off of you. I’ll rough you up.”

An undeterred Stevenson said: 

“Sign the contract. Let’s make it happen.

“Eddie (Hearn),” he shouted over to his Matchroom Boxing promoter, “I want him, he’s food.”

Stevenson vs Benn: Eddie Hearn addresses potential 147 clash

When asked about Shakur Stevenson vs Conor Benn (24-1, 14 KOs), Hearn said: “I’m looking at that fight as someone who represents Conor Benn, and I’m thinking the only bit I like in that fight is the size. 

“Because Conor has a big size advantage, and he’ll punch a lot harder than Shakur, but it’s Shakur. It’s a very difficult fight, but Conor’s just out of control on smoke and wants everybody.

“The Shakur Stevenson fight doesn’t come with a world championship belt (147), but it might come with a load of money, which is definitely attractive to Conor as well,” added Hearn.

Is Stevenson vs Benn realistic? If it’s made who wins and how?