Shakur Stevenson has been asked directly about reports suggesting he is close to finalising a deal to face boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Manny Pacquiao.
Since then, the Newark southpaw has signed a high-profile promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing, becoming one of the biggest stars on its roster, and has been linked with the likes of Devin Haney, Raymond Muratalla and Gary Antuanne Russell.
Recently, rumours and reports emerged that the 29-year-old four-division world champion was instead close to finalising a deal to face Pacquiao, who returned to the sport professionally last year when he fought to a draw with then WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
Though the Filipino failed to break his own record as the oldest 147lbs champion in history that night, he has made it clear he will fight on.
Speaking to ES News, Stevenson pleaded ignorance but did not rule the fight out.
“Much respect to the legend, Manny Pacquiao.
“I don’t know. We’ll see. Whatever happens, happens. I have no clue. But much respect to him. If it does happen, I would love to get in the ring and learn from a legend like Manny Pacquiao. That’s all.”
Pacquiao’s team say they will look to get him out once more in 2026 before attention turns back to the Floyd Mayweather rematch, previously booked for earlier this year but pushed back without a new date due to legal issues on the American’s side.
A fight with Stevenson in the interim will come as a shock to the fans who assumed ‘PacMan’ would be taking a light exhibition ahead of the money-spinning Mayweather 2 fight.
