Shakur Stevenson names best boxer now that Crawford has retired: ‘He’s so hard to beat’

WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson often praised the talent of his good friend Terence Crawford but now that “Bud” has retired, Stevenson has pointed out another fighter’s quality and called him the best fighter in the sport, besides himself.

Stevenson could soon establish himself in the conversation as a top five pound-for-pound talent, having maintained an undefeated record while winning world titles in three weight divisions. ahead of a challenge against Teofimo Lopez for honors in a fourth weight class.

Currently, the first place is occupied by either Alexander Ousyk Or Naoya Inoue in the eyes of the majority of boxing fans, both men became undisputed multi-weight champions while remaining undefeated.

However, in a interview with the Breakfast ClubStevenson identified Unified light heavyweight ruler Dmitry Bivol as the best in boxing, appreciating the Russian sensation’s traditional style.

“I think Bivol is one of the hardest fighters to beat because he is very basic and he has the fundamentals of boxing. He keeps his hands up, he continues his one-two and he has great footwork.

“He doesn’t stand there in front of the guys all night, he moves everywhere and for me, apart from me, I think he’s the best [active] boxer.”

Bivol has endured 11 months of inactivity since avenging the only defeat of his career and beating Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed 175-pound title. Although it is expected that Bivol will return to the ring to face IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert this spring.