There might just be a cross-divisional bout brewing in the background. And it’s between two very unlikely contenders. So, it all started when Shakur Stevenson made a very casual remark a few days ago during an appearance on The Breakfast Club. “I just watched Conor Benn. I like Conor Benn, too, no disrespect. But I would fight him at like 154 lbs. Like I said, for the right fights, I’ll move up,” the WBC lightweight champion stated candidly. However, that seemingly simple remark seems to have invited some pointed words from the British welterweight.
The clip seems to have made its way to Conor Benn. The son of boxing veteran Nigel Benn is coming off his first professional loss to Chris Eubank Jr. last month. Regardless, when Conor Benn spotted the clip, he couldn’t help but react. Reacting to an Instagram post of the clip, Benn responded with a fiery message: “You wanna do it next @shakurstevenson? Let’s run it. No cheap talk.” Oh, but that wasn’t all. Benn took to his Instagram story to share his comment as well, just to reiterate his point.
If you know Shakur Stevenson, you know the Newark native wasn’t going to lie down and let it slide without a response. He took to his Instagram story to share a screengrab of Conor Benn’s story while noting: “I’m gone pick u apart too sharp, too much speed, too smart. And hitting me wit a big shot gone be the last thing u do .” He then added at the bottom: “I’m down .” Stevenson even shared a casual jab from a shopping mall video in another Instagram story, brushing off the argument of a size difference between the two with, “He’s not even that big either .”
Shakur Stevenson and Conor Benn agree to fight next at 154 Shakur says he’s too slow and Conor Benn says they can do it after September and that he is never in a boring fight pic.twitter.com/4rNG0xGWJc
— Hassan (@Hassanwellss) May 14, 2025
The idea of Shakur Stevenson moving up three full weight classes from 135 lbs to 154 lbs for one bout sounds alarming. But hey, crazier things have happened in the sport. Considering they are both promoted by Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing at the moment, only makes the potential scenario of a negotiation that much easier.
What makes this so compelling is the style difference between the two. Stevenson’s measured, high ring IQ could be tested like never before by Benn’s raw aggression and power. Conor Benn, who’s possibly never been in a dull fight, brings the exact kind of threat that could bring out a different version of Shakur. While this back-and-forth has been limited to the virtual world for now, both camps seem energized—and that’s usually the first sign a fight is cooking.
While the online exchange between Stevenson and Benn has fans buzzing, it’s essential to consider Stevenson’s current commitments.
Is Shakur Stevenson really eyeing a move up to 154 lbs or just stirring the pot?
The WBC lightweight champion is set to defend his title against William Zepeda on July 12 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York. This bout marks Stevenson’s third title defense and is part of a Ring Magazine event launching their new television program, “Inside The Ring”.
In the same interview on The Breakfast Club, before the remark about a fight with Conor Benn at 154 lbs, Stevenson addressed questions about moving up in weight. When asked about potential fights at 140 lbs, he stated, “I will move up for the big fights. I’m really not a 140-pounder. I’m barely even a 35.” When asked if a move up in weight is possible sometime in the future, he replied, “I used to think that. But na, I don’t think so.” However, he also mentioned, “But for the right fights, I can go up to 154.” This indicates that while Stevenson is open to moving up in weight, it would only be for specific, significant matchups.
As Stevenson prepares for his upcoming title defense, the prospect of a future bout with Benn remains speculative. Still, if contracts are even whispered about behind closed doors, the potential fight with Conor Benn at 154 lbs could shape up to be one of the most unexpected—and stylistically thrilling—clashes in recent memory. And if it’s just Instagram talk? Well, it’s still more exciting than half the fights booked lately.
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