The Fans and the Fighter: A Story of Perception
Shakur Stevenson is no stranger to the highs and lows of professional boxing. When he learned that Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, a fighter who once dismissed his calls for a bout, is now eager to fight the winner of Stevenson’s upcoming match against WBO 140-lb champion Teofimo Lopez in 2026, Stevenson couldn’t help but find the situation amusing. The irony is palpable. When Stevenson was looking to move up to 135 pounds, he called out several fighters, including Cruz, but found no takers. Now, with Cruz’s newfound interest, it seems the tables have turned.
The Timing of Stevenson’s Call-Out
The timing of Stevenson’s call-out of Cruz was particularly poor. It came after his November 2023 fight against Edwin De Los Santos, a bout that saw him face heavy criticism from fans. Even as he walked back to his dressing room post-fight, the boos and jeers followed him. The criticism was harsh, and Stevenson’s attempt to call out Cruz seemed desperate and out of place. However, the landscape of boxing is ever-changing, and today, it is Cruz who is doing the calling.
Stevenson’s “They Need Me Now” Moment
Shakur Stevenson took to X (formerly Twitter) to react to Cruz’s statement, quipping, “They need me now, huh?” For Stevenson, it’s a moment of vindication. He sees himself as the one in control now, the fighter everyone wants to face. However, the reality is that Stevenson, despite his impressive record (24-0, 11 KOs), hasn’t yet secured a win against any of the top-tier fighters in the lightweight division. This fact hasn’t escaped the attention of boxing pundits and fans alike.
Avoiding the A-Level Smoke
Stevenson’s promoters have been strategic in their matchmaking, often opting to keep him away from the more dangerous opponents that could derail his career. This strategy has led to fights against the likes of Josh Padley, Artem Harutyunyan, William Zepeda, and Shuichiro Yoshino, rather than more formidable contenders such as Abdullah Mason and Floyd Schofield. While this has helped maintain Stevenson’s undefeated record, it has also fueled criticism that he’s been avoiding the tougher fights.
Future Plans and the Conor Benn Factor
Stevenson hasn’t explicitly stated whether he would agree to face Cruz if he wins his fight against Teofimo Lopez. Instead, he’s expressed a desire to “give” the WBO 140-lb belt to his “brother” #1 Keyshawn Davis, a decision that raises eyebrows in the boxing world. Stevenson’s real goal seems to be a move up to welterweight, where he’s targeting a high-profile bout against Conor Benn. A stadium fight in April in the UK against Benn would be a significant step up and a more lucrative and attention-grabbing proposition than facing Cruz.
The Path Forward for Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz
For Cruz, his immediate focus is on his upcoming fight against Lamont Roach this Saturday night. Winning this fight is crucial for Cruz, who many fans believe has little chance of victory. Despite the odds, Cruz remains optimistic and has already stated his interest in facing the winner of Stevenson vs. Teofimo. Whether he will get that opportunity depends on his performance against Roach and Stevenson’s future plans. For now, it’s a waiting game, with the boxing world keeping a keen eye on both fighters.
