Today, Shakur Stevenson is one of the best fighters in the sport of boxing. At 25 years old, he’s picked up world titles in two weight classes while defeating Jamel Herring and Oscar Valdez to do so. While he makes it all look so easy today, he had to fight through fire to achieve his skill.
One of the many people who has helped Shakur Stevenson reach his potential is Terrence Crawford. The two world champions have formed a bond over the last few years while working with trianer Brian McIntyre. During a recent appearance on The Last Stand with Brian Custer, the New Jersey native spoke openly about sparring Terrence Crawford as a 17-year-old amateur.
“This is one of the one times that I had to actually learn that I’m not the best,” Stevenson told Custer.
“So I get in this ring and this dude started beating me up. We only sparred two or three rounds—they were four minute rounds—this dude beat me up so bad. I swear to God that was the worst whooping I ever had as a fighter.”
Stevenson’s experience with Crawford helped mold him into the fighter that he is today. Not only did he compete in the Olympics as an amateur, but he is considered to be the best fighters in the sport today. The Newark, New Jersey native credits Crawford for helping him reach this point in his career as such a young age.
“I just knew at that point in time I needed to get better than what I am. Get stronger, get better. Next time I get in the ring with this guy I want to be able to do something with him. He can’t just beat me up like that,” Stevenson explained.
“I appreciate that dude for that. He’s one of the dudes I can say made me into who I am today.”
