Shakur Stevenson loses 130-pound titles on scale, plans to move up to 135
Well, it looks as if Shakur Stevenson will be moving up to 135 pounds.
Stevenson on Thursday lost his 130-pound titles on the scale going into his fight with Robson Conceicao on Friday in Newark, New Jersey, coming in at 131.6 pounds.
He indicated there was no hope he could make 130 if given more time.
He tweeted: “I gave it my all. I’ve been a professional my whole career and made weight, but my body just can’t make 130 anymore. My health has to come first. I’m moving up to 135 my next fight.”
ESPN reported that the fighters agreed that Stevenson will pay Conceicao a financial penalty but the amount was not disclosed. Stevenson reportedly was to earn $3 million.
Conceicao, who weighed 129.6, will claim the vacant WBC and WBO titles in he wins the fight. They will remain vacant if the Brazilian loses.
Stevenson (18-0, 9 KOs) is coming off back-to-back victories over Jamel Herring (to win the WBO title) and Oscar Valdez (to add the WBC belt), which lifted him onto pound-for-pound lists.
He’ll now be in position to land big fights at 135, at which undisputed champion Devin Haney, George Kambosos Jr. and Vasiliy Lomachenko fight.
Conceicao (17-8 KOs) in a 2016 Olympic gold medalist who lost his only previous fight for a world title, a decision against then-champion Valdez in September of last year.
