Chris Mannix Predicts Shakur Stevenson Would Stop Manny Pacquiao
Chris Mannix believes Shakur Stevenson would stop Manny Pacquiao, while Sergio Mora calls the potential matchup cruel.
The Shakur Stevenson vs. Manny Pacquiao conversation will not go away, and the takes are getting sharper.
ESPN's Chris Mannix went on record saying he believes Stevenson would stop Pacquiao if the two met in the ring, envisioning Shakur "catching Pacquiao repeatedly as he attacks." Mannix cautioned the fight may never happen, with Pacquiao linked to multiple matchups that have fallen through, but he was clear about the outcome if it does.
Sergio Mora was even more blunt. The former champion and current analyst said flatly, "I hate that fight." Mora called Stevenson a "pound-for-pound cheetah with boxing gloves" and questioned why Pacquiao, who is nearly 50 years old, would accept a bout against one of the sport's most technically gifted active fighters. Mora compared the potential punishment to Larry Holmes beating an aging Muhammad Ali.
No fight is officially booked. Reports referencing "Cardiff Talks" suggest some level of negotiation has taken place, with the bout potentially landing at welterweight (147 pounds).
Stevenson enters the conversation off recent performances that drew criticism for his defensive style, including retreating against Robeisy Ramirez and Edwin De Los Santos. Some analysts dispute the stoppage prediction, arguing Stevenson lacks the power and willingness to stay in the pocket needed to actually stop Pacquiao.
The matchup remains a long shot. But with Pacquiao's name still carrying massive commercial value and Stevenson looking for a signature moment, the discussion is not going away.
I am going to say something that might get me yelled at: I do not want this fight to happen. Manny Pacquiao is nearly 50 years old. He is one of the greatest fighters who ever lived. Watching Shakur Stevenson pick him apart for ten rounds would make me sick.
Mannix says Shakur stops him. I disagree on the stoppage part. Stevenson does not have that kind of power and never has. He would jab Pacquiao's head off, win a wide decision, and everyone would walk away feeling terrible about it.
Mora got it right with the Holmes-Ali comparison. That fight is the cautionary tale for every legend who stays too long. Pac-Man has nothing left to prove. He is a senator, a global icon, a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Fighting Shakur Stevenson at 50 does not add anything to that resume. It only risks taking something away.
Let the man retire in peace. Boxing has enough young talent to fill cards without dragging legends back.
