Bob Arum Weighs In on Keyshawn Davis vs. Shakur Stevenson Debate

Las Vegas, NV — Promoter Bob Arum recently shared his thoughts on the potential clash between boxers Keyshawn Davis and Shakur Stevenson during an interview with The Ring. Arum was asked about the matchup after Stevenson’s lackluster performance against Edwin De Los Santos on November 2023.

Stevenson, who won by unanimous decision, faced criticism for what many considered a dull 12-round fight for the vacant WBC lightweight title. He cited lingering hand and shoulder injuries that affected his performance.

Davis, on the other hand, has recently enhanced his reputation as an exciting fighter. Since a no-contest ruling in October 2023—after he tested positive for marijuana—he has maintained an impressive record of 4-0, including three knockouts. He claimed the WBO lightweight title on February 14 at Madison Square Garden.

Although Arum no longer promotes Stevenson, he spoke about the fighters’ contrasting styles. “Shakur is a defensive wizard who knows how to win fights,” Arum said. “But he is maybe not as aggressive because he might not hit as hard as Keyshawn does.” The promoter acknowledged that Davis and Stevenson have distinctly different approaches to boxing.

Despite their friendship and mutual agreement to avoid fighting each other, speculation about who would win in the ring persists. When asked for a prediction, Arum hesitated. “Not gonna say, because again, each of them is a master of his own style,” he said. “I really don’t know how a fight between them would turn out.”

Davis is set to defend his WBO lightweight title against De Los Santos on June 7 at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, while Stevenson is scheduled to face William Zepeda in New York City on July 12. With both fighters looking to solidify their legacies, fans eagerly await their next bouts.

Arum also reflected on Stevenson’s physical state before the De Los Santos fight. “I can’t talk to that because I don’t know how serious those injuries were,” he said. “Only he can.” His uncertainty leaves fans and analysts questioning how the weight of injuries may have impacted Stevenson’s performance.