Shakur Stevenson Dismisses O’Shaquie Foster as “130 Pounder,” Signals Move Away From Potential Bout

“I owe myself my word about that nigga? I don’t got no loyalty towards him like I said Lamont Gary and Muratalla are all better options then fighting a 130 pounder.. If I’m gone be hated regardless I don’t owe yall shit either keep hating I’m gone continue to elevate,” Shakur said on X.

The comments came on the heels of a recent interview where Stevenson questioned what Foster has achieved at lightweight. Rather than showing interest in the matchup, he highlighted Lamont Roach, Gary Antuanne Russell, and Raymond Muratalla as more compelling opponents.

Tensions have simmered since May 30, when Foster successfully defended his WBC super featherweight title against Raymond Ford, who trains alongside Shakur. The two exchanged words after the bout, and Foster subsequently issued a challenge to Stevenson, proposing a fight at either 135 or 140 pounds.

When a prominent athlete steps into the ring, exchanges words, and verbally commits to a match on live television, it generates significant fan interest. However, retracting that stance afterward by dismissing Foster as merely a “130-pounder” gives the impression that Shakur was more interested in the spotlight in the heat of the moment, only to backtrack once the cameras stopped rolling and serious negotiations began.

During that ring confrontation, Shakur appeared to agree to the fight on live TV, telling Foster they could compete at 135 or 140 pounds.

However, no formal agreement was ever reached. Despite the enthusiastic exchange, Stevenson never pursued contract negotiations with Foster. Instead, he moved forward, signing a new deal with Zuffa Boxing and redirecting his focus toward fighters like Devin Haney.

Shakur’s latest statements make his position clear. By consistently referring to Foster as “a 130-pounder,” he continues to argue that the fight lacks the significance of other available matchups, even though Foster has expressed willingness to move up in weight.

Dan Ambrose is a boxing journalist at Boxing News 24, recognized for his direct analysis and extensive coverage of the global fight landscape. His reporting focuses on major bouts, divisional developments, and the sport’s most discussed storylines.

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