Sergio Mora Says Shakur Stevenson Claims Biggest Fights

Discussing Shakur’s pursuit of a fight with Devin Haney, Mora argued that elite skills alone are not enough. He believes that the undefeated three-time world champion has become so focused on avoiding punishment that he has lost interest in the blockbuster matchups he wants.

“Shakur Stevenson won’t get the fights we’re talking about because he doesn’t give himself a chance to entertain,” Mora said on Chris Mannix’s channel. “I was a pure boxer, but I didn’t have Shakur’s ability. If I had Shakur’s reaction time, his speed, his southpaw prowess, that ateur background, I would have taken a lot of chances, man, because I can take chances.

“He doesn’t do that. He doesn’t put himself in a position where he has to be touched. Not one glove, not one touch this man. And that’s why he’s not going to get these big fights.”

While Mora has focused on Shakur’s defensive style, discussions have also turned to discussion about his pursuit of marquee opponents. Shakur has sought a catchweight 144-pound fight with Devin Haney and publicly urged Haney to vacate the WBO welterweight title before the fight. He also targeted Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn, both established welterweights, although he has yet to compete in this division.

Mora acknowledged Shakur’s intelligence, comparing him to chess legend Bobby Fischer, but believes that fans and promoters eventually gravitate toward fighters who are willing to take big risks in the ring.

“This man did it in three stages. He’s a piece of equipment. He mentioned chess. He’s a boxing grandpa. This guy is like Bobby Fischer with boxing gloves,” said Mora. “But Shakuri is in Shakuri’s business. So, I respect it. Make your money. Keep that undefeated zero, but don’t expect to get big battles if you can’t get in the line of fire. That’s just how this business is.”