After rumours of showdowns with a host of major names throughout 2026, it seems as though Shakur Stevenson may finally be on the verge of a fight announcement, having confirmed that negotiations with a fellow reigning world champion are ongoing.
Stevenson got his hands on the WBO super-lightweight world title against Teofimo Lopez back in January, rising the pound-for-pound ratings with a dominant display that had the boxing world again praising his skillset.
Since then, fight fans have become frustrated by Stevenson’s lack of fight news, despite links to a number of high-profile bouts in recent months after his switch to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing back in July.
Now, the American has taken to X to reveal that negotiations for a super-lightweight title unification against WBA super-lightweight world champion Gary Antuanne Russell are currently underway.
“Gary a real one, I been on the phone with bro since the day I called Antuanne out on twitter trying to make this fight happen.
“We both want the fight so hopefully it can get done! He say Tweezy gone beat me and I feel I’m gone beat him.
“Let’s get it together boxing business.”
Gary a real one I been on the phone with bro since the day I called Antuanne out on twitter trying to make this fight happen, We both want the fight so hopefully it can get done! He say Tweezy gone beat me and I feel I’m gone beat him.. Let’s get it together boxing business 🤞🏾
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) September 30, 2026
Russell made his first title defence against Andy Hiraoka on the Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia undercard back in February and the Maryland-born southpaw has been mooted for a move to Zuffa Boxing himself in recent weeks.
Lance Pugmire has reported that Russell recently turned down a $1.5 million purse to take on Stevenson but maintained his willingness to face his fellow southpaw for an increased sum.
Russell would be the third southpaw that Stevenson has faced in his last six fights, whilst Stevenson would represent a fourth consecutive southpaw opponent for Russell.
