Shakur Stevenson was amused at learning today that Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz said he wants to fight the winner of Shakur’s fight against WBO 140-lb champion Teofimo Lopez in 2026.
When Stevenson moved up to 135, ‘Pitbull’ Cruz was one of a handful of fighters that he called out with no luck. Now that he’s become popular in the fashion and a regular on the undercards of Turki Alalshikh’s events, Cruz has changed his tune and is interested in facing the winner of his fight against Teofimo.
When Shakur called out ‘Pitbull’, it came after he’d been booed and criticized heavily by fans for running against Edwin De Los Santos in their November 2023 fight. Stevenson was booed even after the fight as he walked back to his dressing room. The timing of his call-out of Cruz was poor.
Shakur’s “They Need Me Now” Moment
For Cruz, it’s more about the WBO light welterweight belt rather than being eager to face Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs), and having to chase him around the ring for 12 rounds.
“They need me now, huh?” said Shakur Stevenson on X, reacting to Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz saying he wants to fight the winner of Shakur’s fight with WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez.
In Shakur’s mind, the roles are reversed. He’s on top and can call the shots. However, he hasn’t beaten any of the A-level or elite-level fighters at lightweight.
Avoiding The A-Level Smoke?
Shakur’s promoters have matched him well, keeping him cordoned off from the dangerous fighters in the division that would mess up his career. That’s why Shakur has fought guys like Josh Padley, Artem Harutyunyan, William Zepeda, and Shuichiro Yoshino rather than Abdullah Mason and Floyd Schofield.
Stevenson didn’t say if he’d agree to face Cruz if he’s victorious against Teofimo. It’s unlikely that he will, though, because he’s already said he’s going to “give” the WBO 140-lb belt to his “brother” #1 Keyshawn Davis, like it’s a possession to be given. Stevenson wants to move up to welterweight and face Conor Benn in a stadium fight in April in the UK.
Fighting Benn would be a bigger fight for Shakur than staying at 140, and facing WBC interim champion Cruz.
“I would like to face the winner of Teofimo vs. Shakur,” said ‘Pitbull’ Cruz to the media today.
Cruz still needs to defeat Lamont Roach this Saturday night before he can start calling out fighters like Stevenson. Many fans believe he has no chance of winning that fight.
Last Updated on 12/04/2025
