On February 19, 2024, Timothy Bradley Jr. accused Shakur Stevenson of actively avoiding high-profile bouts against elite competition. launched a scathing critique against undefeated multi-division champion Shakur Stevenson on February 19, 2024, publicly accusing him of actively avoiding high-profile bouts against elite competition.
Speaking on ESPN’s “Max on Boxing,” Bradley declared Stevenson “so scared of big fights” after a period marked by a criticized performance and stalled negotiations with top rivals.
Bradley’s pointed remarks ignite a debate over the legacy and strategic choices of the 29-year-old Stevenson, especially following his January 2026 capture of the WBO super-lightweight title and his subsequent high-profile signing with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing. The accusation underscores growing frustrations among boxing fans and analysts eager to see Stevenson test his mettle against the sport’s pound-for-pound best.
Timothy Bradley Jr. Challenges Stevenson’s Ambition
Timothy Bradley Jr., a two-division world champion and respected ESPN analyst, didn’t mince words when assessing Shakur Stevenson’s recent career decisions. On his YouTube channel, Bradley directly addressed Stevenson, urging him to take greater risks to solidify his place among boxing’s elite. He questioned Stevenson’s perceived reluctance to engage with formidable opponents.
“You are moving scared, my boy. You are. You are moving so scared, bro, and that is not the nature of a fighter – a true freakin’ fighter,” Bradley asserted. He emphasized that true greatness isn’t about preserving an undefeated record, but about challenging oneself against the toughest adversaries, referencing fighters like Andre Ward and Terence Crawford who consistently sought out top-tier competition.
The “Scared” Accusation’s Genesis: De Los Santos Fight
Bradley’s sharp criticism arrived in the wake of Stevenson’s unanimous decision victory over Edwin De Los Santos on November 16, 2023. While Stevenson claimed the vacant WBC lightweight title, the fight itself drew widespread condemnation for its lack of action and Stevenson’s uncharacteristically low punch output. ESPN’s broadcast team highlighted the dearth of engagement, with Joe Tessitore noting the bout was “devoid of action.”
Stevenson landed only 62 punches in the first six rounds and just 100 through nine, a performance that left many questioning his aggression and intent. He later acknowledged the public’s disappointment, stating, “I had a bad performance. I’m not going to make any excuses.”
This self-critique, however, didn’t deter Bradley from suggesting Stevenson was deliberately avoiding challenging scenarios. Bradley specifically cited Stevenson’s alleged discomfort with a 144lb catchweight agreement with WBO welterweight world champion Devin Haney.
Stevenson’s Stellar Career Trajectory and Promotional Shifts
Ash-Shakur Nafi-Shahid Stevenson, born June 28, 1997, boasts an impressive pedigree, including a bantamweight silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. His professional record stands unblemished at 25 wins with 11 knockouts. He quickly ascended through the ranks, securing multiple world championships across four divisions.
Stevenson captured the WBO featherweight title in October 2019, followed by the WBO super featherweight title in October 2021, which he later unified. He became a three-division champion in November 2023 with the WBC lightweight title.
Most recently, in January 2026, he outpointed Teofimo Lopez to claim the WBO and Ring magazine junior welterweight titles, becoming only the third-youngest four-weight world champion in boxing history. This victory cemented his status as a pound-for-pound contender, making Bradley’s accusations particularly jarring. Stevenson’s comments on criticism also show his evolving perspective.
Zuffa Boxing’s Influence on Matchmaking
A significant development in Stevenson’s career was his decision to sign a landmark multi-fight promotional deal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing on July 9, 2026. This move followed an earlier stint with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, which he joined in August 2024, after turning down a $15 million five-fight deal with Top Rank.
Stevenson’s signing with Zuffa Boxing was widely seen as a statement of intent, suggesting a path toward mega-fights and increased visibility. Yet, despite publicly agreeing to a 144lb catchweight affair with Devin Haney, a second fight for Stevenson in 2026 has yet to materialize.
This delay has fueled speculation and contributed to the narrative that Stevenson is struggling to secure the high-stakes matchups expected of a fighter of his caliber under the Zuffa banner.
The Unfulfilled Promise of High-Profile Opponents
Timothy Bradley Jr. explicitly mentioned several names he believed Shakur Stevenson was avoiding. Beyond Devin Haney, other prominent figures like Gervonta Davis and Vasiliy Lomachenko have been linked to Stevenson, yet no agreements have materialized.
Bradley argued that these are the types of fights Stevenson needs to pursue to truly validate his standing in the sport, rather than pursuing less challenging opponents like Ryan Garcia, as Bradley suggested Stevenson now desired.
Stevenson himself has frequently expressed a desire to fight the best, often calling out Gervonta Davis. However, the intricacies of boxing promotions, weight classes, and financial demands often complicate these eagerly anticipated matchups.
The frustration among fans and commentators like Bradley stems from the perception that Stevenson possesses the skill set to compete at the very highest level but isn’t actively seeking out those career-defining contests. This comes as Ryan Garcia faced a recent loss, impacting his own career trajectory.
What’s Next for Shakur Stevenson in the Ring?
Despite the accusations and the ongoing quest for mega-fights, Shakur Stevenson does have a confirmed bout on the horizon. He is scheduled to defend his WBC Lightweight World Championship against Artem Harutyunyan on July 6, 2024. The fight will take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and will be broadcast on ESPN.
This upcoming defense against Harutyunyan provides Stevenson an opportunity to silence critics and demonstrate his commitment to active competition. However, for many, including Timothy Bradley Jr., the true measure of Stevenson’s ambition will be his willingness to pursue undisputed titles or clashes with fellow pound-for-pound stalwarts like Davis, Haney, or Lomachenko. The ongoing challenge for top promoters is securing these high-stakes matchups.
Unification Rumours and Long-Term Implications
Adding to the speculation surrounding Stevenson’s future, recent rumors suggest his Zuffa Boxing debut could involve a super-lightweight unification clash with WBA titleholder Gary Antuanne Russell. Such a fight would represent a significant step up in competition and offer Stevenson a chance to add another world title to his collection, potentially appeasing critics who crave more challenging matchups.
The outcome of Stevenson’s next few fights, and more importantly, the caliber of his opponents, will undoubtedly shape his legacy in the sport.
Dana White and Zuffa Boxing face the challenge of securing the big fights that fans demand and that Bradley believes Stevenson is currently shying away from, amidst wider discussions about potential dream matchups in boxing.
Stevenson’s talent is undeniable, but his path to undisputed greatness will require navigating the complex landscape of promotional deals and overcoming perceived hesitancy to face his toughest challengers.
