Shakur Stevenson Will Fight Conor Benn On One Condition

Shakur Stevenson responded to Conor Benn’s callout, saying he would agree to a fight at 147 pounds — but only with a 10-pound rehydration clause.

Benn challenged Stevenson during a joint appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, suggesting the undefeated lightweight could be vulnerable after William Zepeda briefly wobbled him in their recent bout. Stevenson, however, went on to dominate Zepeda and retained his WBC lightweight title by unanimous decision. While Stevenson is focused on unifying at 135, potentially against Gervonta Davis — if Davis wins his expected rematch with Lamont Roach Jr. — he left the door open for a move up to welterweight under the right conditions.

“I’ll fight him. He’s not that big. I would want the same hydration clause he put on Chris Eubank. I want that. I’ll do it there [UK]. I’ll go up to 147. He ain’t that big, and skills pay the bills. If he’s swinging wild 100 times and I’m landing my shots, it’ll be an easy fight,” Stevenson said

Should It Happen?

The issue with making these fights is that it deprives fans of the chance to see the best bouts. Shakur has long been chasing a bout with the WBA Lightweight Champion Gervonta Davis. However, Davis’ camp has repeatedly said that they want the fight without showing more urgency to make it. This has also been reflected by their claims that it makes no financial sense to fight Shakur, but the presence of the Saudis in boxing has provided boxers with the financial incentives to face the best. 

It also raises safety concerns. Eubank and Benn took a lot out of each other, which may be the reason why the rematch does not happen. Meanwhile, Terence Crawford will also jump up two weight classes to take on Canelo, despite not having boxed at 168. While Crawford may argue he is chasing greatness at the late end of his career, Shakur is his in prime, without the need to take such a risky fight.

There is also an argument that Benn has done nothing to justify the fight. He has never won a world title, while Shakur has proven his credentials by becoming a three-weight world champion, who is currently undefeated. Shakur also gave Zepeda, who some considered as the bogeyman of the division, his first loss. Fans had plenty to say about this possible match-up.