Podcast Title: The Breakfast Club
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Episode: INTERVIEW: Shakur Stevenson Talks Upcoming Fight With William Zepeda, Wanting To Fight Tank, Mase Beef + More
Release Date: May 6, 2025

Introduction

In this electrifying episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God welcome the rising boxing star, Shakur Stevenson. The conversation delves deep into Stevenson's boxing career, his upcoming fights, and his perspectives on the current state of the boxing industry.

Upcoming Fight with William Zepeda

Charlamagne Tha God kicks off the discussion by addressing Stevenson's impending bout against William Zepeda scheduled for July 12th.

• Charlamagne Tha God [01:18]: "You're fighting against William Zepeda on July 12th, right? That's a mandatory, right?"

• Shakur Stevenson [01:34]: "Yeah. He actually the intern champs. He got the little belt below my weight class. So I'm beat him up though."

Stevenson emphasizes his dominance in the fight, highlighting Zepeda's belt as being below his weight class and expressing confidence in his ability to secure a victory.

Addressing Criticism and His Boxing Resume

The conversation shifts to criticism Stevenson has faced regarding his boxing resume.

• Charlamagne Tha God [02:00]: "I wanna know why everybody afraid to fight. Shaka, I don't know if it's afraid or what, right? But I saw Rollie recently say that you are overrated because he said he feel like you got a weak resume."

• Shakur Stevenson [02:15]: "Yeah, actually, I'm the guy that really tried to fight everybody. Like, my last fight, I tried to fight the Kid Austin guy and he ended up sick and caught the flu. And I tried to fight Frank Martin, he pulled out. So I can't really take what Rollie said serious."

Stevenson defends his proactive approach in seeking tough opponents, attributing setbacks to circumstances beyond his control rather than his abilities. He dismisses the criticism from Rollie, asserting his prowess in the ring.

Desire to Fight Tank

One of the standout moments is Stevenson's candid discussion about his ambition to fight the formidable Tank.

• Unknown Female Host [02:52]: "So who did you. Who would you want to fight? Who would you love to fight that you feel like you just can't get it done or duck? You want to fight Tank?"

• Shakur Stevenson [02:57]: "I don't want to, like, keep saying that. I done said it."

• Shakur Stevenson [03:04]: "But I think that's the biggest fighter in the sport of boxing."

Stevenson expresses a strong desire to face Tank, labeling him as the biggest fighter in boxing. Despite acknowledging past statements, he reaffirms his intent to make this high-profile fight happen.

Insights on Boxing Politics and Promotions

The discussion delves into the intricate politics of boxing promotions and management.

• Shakur Stevenson [06:14]: "I think it's a lot of politics, though. I think it's a lot of people, you know, getting in the way of certain fights. And it's also fighters, too, like Tank, got to be the person that says, I want to fight this guy. And when he says he want to fight somebody, he's going to make it happen. So it's on him."

Stevenson critiques the boxing industry's promotional dynamics, suggesting that securing major fights often hinges on the promoters' and fighters' proactive decisions rather than purely on merit.

Relationships with Promoters and Saudi Investment

Stevenson addresses his relationship with Matchroom and Eddie Hearn, alongside his views on Saudi Arabia's increasing investment in boxing.

• Charlamagne Tha God [06:14]: "Did you really just split with Matchroom and Eddie Hearns?"

• Shakur Stevenson [06:18]: "No, I'm just like, you gotta realize what my situation is, whatever I want. So if I want Eddie to be involved, Eddie gonna be involved. And if I Don't want him involved. He's not gonna be involved. But I actually like Eddie Hearn. I've been telling people for the longest, I think he's one of the best promoters in the sport of boxing."

Regarding Saudi investment:

• Shakur Stevenson [06:40]: "I like it. I like it. It's kind of like a gift and a curse because I feel like he want to make the biggest and best fights happen, but also he gotta know, like, what fighters is the best fighters."

Stevenson conveys a nuanced perspective on Saudi involvement in boxing, recognizing the potential for great fights while cautioning that a deeper understanding of the sport is essential for meaningful investments.

Business Dealings and Fight Locations

The hosts probe into the business side of Stevenson's fights, particularly the negotiations and locations.

• Unknown Female Host [07:08]: "Can you talk about the little, I guess not disagreement, but miscommunication you have with him? ... explain that whole situation."

• Shakur Stevenson [07:39]: "In business, you going go back and forth... I'm a guy. I stand on principle, I stand on integrity. We got it together. So shout out to J. Prince. He came in and helped the situation out."

Stevenson reveals a commitment to integrity in his business dealings, highlighting assistance from J. Prince to resolve contractual misunderstandings regarding fight locations and payments.

Mentions of Other Fighters and Future Matches

The conversation broadens to include other prominent boxers and potential future matchups.

• Charlamagne Tha God [19:36]: "What is it, like 50? It's like 50, right?"

• Shakur Stevenson [19:37]: "It ain't 100 pounds."

• Charlamagne Tha God [19:46]: "I still think. I still personally believe tension knock him out."

Stevenson discusses potential fights with high-caliber opponents like Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez, expressing confidence in his skills to outsmart and outbox them despite significant weight differences. He also shares his admiration for Floyd Mayweather, expressing a desire to spar with him to learn and enhance his techniques.

Personal Reflections and Mentorship

Stevenson touches upon his personal life, particularly his relationship with his brother and mentor figures in boxing.

• Shakur Stevenson [13:45]: "Cause at the end of the day, I want him to...make him better and shit."

Stevenson speaks fondly of his brother, Keshawn Davis, highlighting his role as a mentor and supporter in both personal and professional spheres.

Defensive Techniques and Boxing Philosophy

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Stevenson's defensive prowess and strategic approach to boxing.

• Charlamagne Tha God [22:03]: "She mentioned Ward. They said the same thing about Dre."

• Shakur Stevenson [22:40]: "I don't expect it when I knock people out, but with that, like, in mind, it's like you gotta tame yourself. You gotta calm down, relax, and not look for the knockout."

Stevenson emphasizes the importance of defense and strategic thinking in boxing, advocating for a calm and calculated approach rather than seeking constant knockouts. He acknowledges the compliments from peers like Sean Porter, who praised his defensive skills, likening them to the legendary Floyd Mayweather.

Legacy and Future Aspirations

As the conversation wraps up, Stevenson reflects on his legacy and future aspirations within the sport.

• Charlamagne Tha God [28:08]: "So you beat William on July 12th. Just say you beat William on July 12th. Tank beats Roach, but then take goes to fight Jake Paul. Tank don't want to Shakur Stevenson fight. What does Shakur Stevenson do for his legacy and his resume then?"

• Shakur Stevenson [28:23]: "I just keep working, keep working. Fight the next best available opponents and stay focused."

Stevenson remains focused on his career trajectory, prioritizing continuous improvement and seizing the next best opportunities to enhance his legacy, irrespective of external factors or setbacks.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive interview, Shakur Stevenson offers an insightful look into his boxing journey, addressing both triumphs and challenges. His unwavering dedication, strategic mindset, and commitment to integrity position him as a formidable figure in the boxing world. As he eyes future battles and navigates the complexities of the sport, Stevenson's narrative is one of resilience, ambition, and excellence.

Notable Quotes:

• Shakur Stevenson [03:01]: "I think that's the biggest fighter in the sport of boxing."

• Shakur Stevenson [06:18]: "But I actually like Eddie Hearn. I've been telling people for the longest, I think he's one of the best promoters in the sport of boxing."

• Shakur Stevenson [22:40]: "I don't care where I fight at. We can fight anywhere, truthfully."

• Shakur Stevenson [26:59]: "The smartest man will win, and that's in any situation when it comes to business... outsmart my opponents is kind of what took me over the edge with everybody."

This detailed summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, and insights shared by Shakur Stevenson during his appearance on The Breakfast Club, providing listeners and those unfamiliar with the episode a comprehensive understanding of the conversation.