Is Shakur Stevenson meant to be the new Mayweather?

They're trying to find the next Mayweather and it seems they're pushing Shakur as the FMJ of this generation since he's probably the closest to him in terms of defensive skills along with his "I'm the best, no one is better than me" mindset. Shakur is very good but he's definitely nowhere close to being as talented as a prime FMJ, especially at 130 and 135 who was a far more gifted fighter, much better offense and power to go along with impeccable defense.

 

When I think of a generational fighter, I picture someone we may not see again for another 10 to 20 years. In contrast, a "once in a lifetime" fighter is someone who might not reappear for 40 to 50 years. My focus here is on skill. Shakur is undeniably a talented fighter, but his greatness is influenced by the era in which he competes. I can easily name 10 to 25 fighters who were just as skilled, if not more so. In terms of skill, Floyd belongs in the same class as Roy Jones, Sugar Ray Leonard, Willie Pep, and Sugar Ray Robinson. These fighters are exceptionally rare, combining elite athleticism with top-notch skill to achieve near perfection. Shakur does not fit into that category. If placed in the 80s, 90s, or 2000s, he would be more akin to Buddy McGirt, Ike Quartey, or Cotto.

When I think of generational talents, I consider the following:

• Shakur
  
  
• Oscar
  
  
• Crawford
  
  
• Canelo
  
  
• GGG
  
  
• Bam
  
  
• Inoue
  
  
• Usyk
  

For "once-in-a-lifetime" fighters, the list is very exclusive:

• Floyd
  
  
• Leonard
  
  
• Roy Jones
  
  
• Willie Pep
  
  
• Ali (in his prime)
  
  
• Tyson (in his prime)
  
  
• Hearns
  
  
• Duran (at 135 to 140)
  
  
• Manny (130 to 140)
  

The only potential "once-in-a-lifetime" fighters I currently see are:

• Jaron
  
  
• Mason
  
  
• Opetia
  
  
• Wradley
  

And to be honest, I'm not sure if these fighters will reach that level.

 

Manny was "once-in-a-lifetime".

 

Wradley?

 

Mmmmmmmm. You got me thinking now...

 

Much better distance control with his legs

 

Bump

 

He's the closest thing to Mayweather we have right now in terms of defence but he isn't on Mayweather's level and never will be. Mayweather was far more complete as a fighter.

 

He wants to be like Floyd but he isn't the only similarities is distance control. Floyd is better in every other department including defense. Also Floyd had the nuts to stand and fight when he had to he also proved he could take a shot. Shakur isn't built for war he is good at avoiding it when somebody with power does eventually find his chin I think he goes down. It's hard to gauge how great somebody is until they have faced adversity in the ring.

 

You were going well until you listed Opetia as potential once in a life time fighter.

 

He’s not as good as Mayweather which is why it’s so frustrating that no one can figure him out enough to at least edge a 7-5 decision against him.

 

more like all 4 in the once in a lifetime category. he has to be doing some high level complex trolling. dude said jaron ROFL. i cant even... i wont even start on jai wardley

 

Wardley and Opetaia as potential once-in-a-lifetime? Really?

 

Stevenson speed ran past the Pretty Boy phase because he's already got the hand issues. I think he can hit harder than he generally does due to this.

 

Floyd was whooping people's asses at 130-135, he was far more explosive and offensively talented. Shakur falls short of that, but he's still good enough to one of the best of his time.