Shakur Stevenson could be involved in a British stadium fight next year, with the potential showdown being likened to Floyd Mayweather vs Ricky Hatton.
Back then, in 2007, the British fight fans came in their droves as Hatton attempted to dethrone one of the pound-for-pound greats in Las Vegas.
Ultimately, he was unsuccessful, but the ‘Hitman’ nonetheless gave a spirited effort before getting stopped by Mayweather, the defending WBC champion, in round 10 of their welterweight contest.
Nearly two decades later, Stevenson would be keen to orchestrate a similar result if he ends up facing Dalton Smith, who retained his WBC title against Alberto Puello on Saturday.
The Sheffield man became a world super-lightweight champion earlier this year, dethroning Subriel Matias with a stunning fifth-round finish on away soil.
Things were slightly more complicated in his first title defence, however, as Smith edged a rather contentious split decision against mandatory challenger Puello.
Then, shortly afterwards, the 29-year-old called for a unification match with Stevenson at Hillsborough Stadium – home to Sheffield Wednesday Football Club.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be [entertaining, and that Puello] was going to be an awkward opponent. But a champion has to do what he has to do. These are the best in the world, and I’m proving why I’m number one now.
“I have a lot of respect for Shakur – he’s one hell of a fighter. This takes me back to the Ricky Hatton and Mayweather days. We can build something good.”
Having parted ways with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, WBO champion Stevenson is now a promotional free agent and could be enticed by a clash with Smith.
