Shakur Stevenson, the undefeated WBC lightweight champion, has issued a bold ultimatum to Vasily Lomachenko, the IBF lightweight titleholder. Stevenson has expressed his frustration with Lomachenko's unwillingness to step into the ring and settle their differences, going as far as to demand that the veteran boxer retire if he's not willing to fight either him or Gervonta "Tank" Davis.

A Clash of Egos and Ambitions

Stevenson's Pursuit of Lomachenko

Stevenson has been chasing a fight with Lomachenko for some time, but the former three-division world champion has shown little interest in engaging with the younger, undefeated fighter. Stevenson believes that Lomachenko's reluctance to face him is a sign of weakness, and he has accused the Ukrainian boxer of being "soft" and lacking the courage to step into the ring and settle their differences.

Lomachenko's Perspective

Lomachenko, who has a storied amateur career and has faced similar stylistic challenges in the past, may not be eager to engage in a fight that could be perceived as a mismatch by fans. Stevenson's hit-and-not-get-hit approach, combined with his lack of commercial appeal, could be factors that have deterred Lomachenko from pursuing the matchup.

The Clash of Styles

Stevenson's defensive-minded, safety-first fighting style is in stark contrast to Lomachenko's more aggressive and entertaining approach. This clash of styles could lead to a bout that is not well-received by the fans, who may prefer to see a more action-packed and crowd-pleasing encounter.

Stevenson's Ultimatum

Stevenson has made it clear that he believes he and Tank Davis are the two best fighters at 135 pounds, and he has stated that if Lomachenko is not willing to fight either of them, he should retire from the sport. This ultimatum is a bold move, and it raises questions about Stevenson's own motivations and ambitions.

Stevenson's Potential Vulnerabilities

Despite his undefeated record and championship status, Stevenson has faced criticism for his lack of power and his reliance on defensive tactics. Some fans believe that he may not be well-suited for the lightweight division, where he is often seen as a "fish out of water" against the division's power punchers.

The Potential Fallout

If Stevenson were to suffer a defeat against William Zepeda on February 22nd, his career could be in jeopardy, and the significance of his demands for Lomachenko to retire would be diminished. In such a scenario, Stevenson would likely need the support of his promoter, Eddie Hearn, to help rebuild his career and regain his standing in the lightweight division.

The Bigger Picture

Stevenson's ultimatum to Lomachenko raises broader questions about the dynamics of the sport and the expectations placed on veteran champions. As Stevenson himself acknowledges, it will be interesting to see how he reacts when he is the one facing a younger, hungry challenger demanding a fight. The boxing world will be watching to see how this high-stakes drama unfolds.