Shakur Stevenson today revealed his slightly modified three-fight hitlist for 2025, saying he wants these fighters this year:

1. Floyd Schofield: *Already determined
2. Vasily Lomachenko
3. Gervonta Davis

WBC lightweight champion Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) defends against Schofield (18-0, 12 KOs) on February 22nd in Riyadh. If Shakur wins that fight, it's unclear who his second match in 2025 will be. He was saying he wanted to fight William Zepeda, but he has changed his tune and hopes to fight Vassily Lomachenko.

Shakur's vision

“Lomachenko and then Tank,” Shakur Stevenson told Ariel Helwani Channel About who he wants to fight in 2025 after his match against Kid Austin. “Not very confident. I think he's scared,” Shakur said when asked how confident he was about fighting Lomachenko. “I dropped him a while ago, and I think he's been scared ever since.

“They've got to get in the way. So, I have very little hope,” Shakur said of whether the top ranking will come in the way of a fight between him and Lomachenko. “With the Turk, I think he can make a lot of things happen. Hopefully, he can.

“Jepeda. He's a good fighter,” Stevenson said of what will be his second fight in 2025 if he doesn't get Lomachenko. “I want to kill him too. He's been running from me for a minute. So, I'm kind of skeptical about that fight as well.”

I don't know why Shakur mentions Lomachenko's name other than to gain influence. He's already made it clear he's not interested in fighting a runner, especially one with no fanbase outside of his hometown of Newark. If Loma fights again, it will likely be against Garvanta Davis because that's the biggest payday he can get. She won't waste time on Shakur, who isn't an attraction and doesn't come to fight.

Villian roles

Shakur's popularity is based on his portrayal of the villain, but he's not fun to watch and never will be. Its whole point is to use the old one Mayweather's hit-and-get-hit style, Don't take risks, and win the round by landing the fewest potshots. Stevenson doesn't throw many punches because he focuses on defense 90% of the time and runs away after throwing a shot.

“He does not want to share the spotlight. When asked my name, he seems to be very disappointed in his feelings. Stay with it until he fights me,” Shakur said, explaining why Gervanta Davis was upset about him fighting him during the interview.

Most of the time when Tank is asked about Shakur, it's when he's already got a fight scheduled or when he's fought someone. Interviewees mention Shakur's name, which is inconsistent with the topic. Of course, this will upset Tank because Stevenson is not relevant to what is happening. Also, Shakur isn't fighting anyone better and never has. He looks boring in his fight. Why would tanks want to fight this type of fighter?

Tank: The ultimate goal

“If he thinks so, I think we should fight. Get it off your chest. I'll be very upset if that fight doesn't happen because it's been my dream fight for a long time. I am ready to beat him and prove it to the world. Yes, I would be upset, but I don't need him,” Shakur said.

Stevenson should make his way instead of using Tank Davis to boost his popularity. There are plenty of fighters at 135, 140, 147 and 154 that Shakur could challenge for stardom. He doesn't need the help of a tank. If he's ambitious, why not take these fighters: Andy Cruz, Jaron Ennis, Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, Virgil Ortiz, Bakhram Murtzaliev and Serhii Bohachuk?

If Shakur is willing to take risks with his career, he won't need Tank Davis to encourage him. There are many fighters from 135 to 154 that Stevenson could fight to transform himself into a star. It takes courage, talent and willingness to engage. Shakur is lacking in all three of these categories.

1. @kidaustin 11
2. @Vasyllomachenko
3. @Gervontaa

The hit list of 2025 has been created @Shakur Stevenson 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hASQ9bZG3h

— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) January 14, 2025