From Retirement to Return: Shakur Stevenson Quit Boxing but Came Back Within a Month

Ross Markey | 24/02/2025
Shakur Stevenson beat Joet Gonzalez for the WBO world featherweight title Saturday night at the RSCVA convention center. Shakur Stevenson 2 Oct 26

WBC lightweight champion, Shakur Stevenson, boasting a spectacular 22-0 professional boxing record, has been touted as one of the future faces of boxing – in a period for the sport that has seen a host of its stars explode onto the global scene. However, did you know in early 2024, he had shocked the boxing world with his stunning retirement from the sport?

The Olympic silver medal winner had sent his fans into raptures due to a lack of competition – claiming the sport of boxing was “weak”, leaving him unfulfilled despite already achieving the highest of championship spoils.

“I’m officially retiring from the sport of boxing I’ll be in the gym forever perfecting my craft and helping the next generation become great and chase they (sic) dreams but I ain’t fw this weak boxing game,” Shakur Stevenson had posted on his X account.

And in a stunning twist — just weeks later, Stevenson made another impromptu decision, now claiming he is too in “love” with boxing to end his decorated career already.

“I know right couldn’t keep myself away from it,” Stevenson replied to a user who questioned his u-turn. 
Eventually making good on his hiatus-snapping return over the course of last summer, Stevenson would have to defend his WBC lightweight crown. Tasked with knocking back Russian Olympic bronze medal winner, Artem Harutyunyan in their June pairing, he secured a unanimous decision victory in his first outing as defending gold holder.
However, receiving stark criticism for his performance — Stevenson laid the blame at the feet of his fighting foe in a forgettable matchup.
“It’s kind of hard to prove [you’re that guy] when you don’t have a fighter who’s trying to fight back. I’ve got to cut off the ring a little bit more,” Stevenson claimed.
He has since hoped to turn public opinion in his favor. And the best way to do that would be walk into the ring and put on a dominant show to be remembered for ages. But did he do that when he fought over the weekend against Josh Padley?

Stevenson wins but fails to win over fans

Stevenson found himself in Riyadh on Sunday, featuring in a short-notice clash with unbeaten British pugilist, Padley on a monumental card which has seen its fair share of changes.
Initially scheduled to fight up-and-coming rival, Floyd Schofield, Stevenson was left opponent-less after the American pugilist failed to show up at the pre-fight press conference in the Middle East He was then pulled from the card entirely before boldly claiming his reported illness was the result of poisoning and required hospitalization.
Now facing the 15-0 Padley, Stevenson was tasked with handing the emerging Brit his first professional loss. And that is precisely what he did. Despite an obvious hand injury, Stevenson looked as comfortable as he would have been hanging out at home – that was the kind of skill gap on display on the night.
At no point during this fight did Padley ever look like he could snake one from under Stevenson and cause an upset. The WBC lightweight champion ended up retaining his title with three knockdowns and a ninth-round TKO after Padley’s team threw in the towel.

However, those in the audience couldn’t have been more critical of Stevenson, as the boxer once again failed to get the crowd on his side. It wasn’t particularly surprising either.

At no point in the fight, did he ever push the pace and put on a show despite being levels above his opponent.

Post Edited By: Smrutisnat Jena
Shakur Stevenson

About the author

Ross Markey

Ross Markey is a combat sports reporter based out of the Republic of Ireland, boasting more than 9 years experience covering a host of sports including football, boxing, and mixed martial arts. Ross has attended numerous live mixed martial arts events in the past during his tenure in the industry and his coverage of the UFC in particular spans a wide array of topics, reports, and editorials.

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