Shakur Stevenson Draws Challenge as Valenzuela Sets Sights on a Fight
**Shakur Stevenson** became the focal point of a pre‑fight interview on 28 June 2026 when Jose Valenzuela declared his intention to pursue a bout with the American pound‑for‑pound leader after the rematch with Edwin De Los Santos in Las Vegas.
Valenzuela stepped into the ring at The Cosmopolitan on Sunday night seeking redemption for a knockout loss to De Los Santos in 2022. The Mexican‑American fighter framed the night as a “second chance” to prove he belongs among elite competition. In the post‑fight interview, he said, “I can’t help but think about Shakur Stevenson. That’s a guy I’ve always wanted to fight.” The comment linked his personal comeback to the broader narrative of challenging the U.S. star.
After a turbulent stretch that included two consecutive defeats, Valenzuela captured the WBA super‑lightweight title by beating Isaac Cruz, then fell to Gary Antuanne Russell before returning to the 135‑lb division. The upcoming fight with De Los Santos offered a platform to showcase his evolution. Valenzuela believes his “perfect style”-a blend of speed and power-would clash well with Stevenson’s technical precision, making the potential bout a classic “styles make fights” scenario.
With Terence Crawford’s retirement, Stevenson has been widely recognized as America’s top pound‑for‑pound boxer. His recent performances have solidified that reputation, and promoters are hunting fresh challengers to keep the division lively. Valenzuela’s claim that he is “a perfect style for him” taps into the market’s appetite for a high‑stakes showdown that could reshape the super‑lightweight landscape.
If Valenzuela defeats De Los Santos-a fight that would mark his first win over the only opponent to stop him inside the distance-the next logical step would be a negotiation with Stevenson’s camp. The fight would likely be staged in a major U.S. venue, with both fighters eyeing a unification or title‑defense scenario. Until then, Valenzuela’s focus remains on delivering a decisive victory on 28 June 2026, proving he can compete at the level required to earn a Stevenson showdown.
Boxing fans have already taken to social media, debating whether Valenzuela’s aggressive style can truly trouble Stevenson’s disciplined approach. Some analysts point to Valenzuela’s knockout streak before his 2022 loss as evidence of raw power, while others stress Stevenson’s defensive mastery. The conversation will intensify once the Las Vegas result is confirmed, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster clash later in the year.