Shakur Stevenson Pushes for Russell Unification at 140 Pounds
Shakur Stevenson says both sides want a 140-pound unification fight with Gary Antuanne Russell and negotiations are active.
Shakur Stevenson is making a public push for a light welterweight unification fight with Gary Antuanne Russell, saying both fighters want it and negotiations are ongoing, per Boxing News 24.
"Gary a real one. I been on the phone with bro since the day I called Antuanne out on Twitter trying to make this fight happen," Stevenson wrote on social media. "We both want the fight so hopefully it can get done."
The matchup would bring together two of the division's top champions in what could be the biggest fight at 140 pounds. Both camps have been in direct communication since Stevenson's initial callout, with financial terms appearing to be the main sticking point rather than fighter willingness.
Russell has the backing of his brother, former champion Gary Russell Jr., and both sides have expressed confidence in winning the matchup. No date or venue has been announced.
Some fans and commentators have pushed for Stevenson to instead face WBO No. 1 contender Raymond Muratalla, but Stevenson appears focused on the bigger unification prize with Russell. The fight would represent the kind of matchup boxing needs: elite fighters meeting in their primes rather than waiting until one side has clearly declined.
This is exactly the kind of fight boxing needs more of, and the fact that both guys are actively trying to make it happen is refreshing. Credit to Stevenson for going straight to Russell instead of padding the resume with a tune-up first.
The Muratalla crowd has a point. That's a solid fight too. But unification always takes priority. You don't turn down a chance to collect belts when both sides are willing. The money will sort itself out if the demand is real, and trust me, the demand is real.
Stevenson's defensive brilliance against Russell's power would be a fascinating style matchup. I'd lean Stevenson on points, but Russell has the kind of pop that can change a fight in one shot. Get this done for early 2027 and you've got the best fight at 140 in years.
https://www.boxingnews24.com/2026/09/shakur-stevenson-pursues-gary-antuanne-russell-unification/
