The Undefeated World Champion Fought Terence Crawford And He Gave Me The “most Brutal Beating” Of My Career In My First Training Session.
Shakur Stevenson recently reminisced about a grueling sparring session with Terence Crawford back in 2015. Stevenson, now a respected figure in American boxing, has achieved remarkable success, clinching world titles across three weight classes, currently holding the WBC lightweight belt.
Unbeaten throughout his professional career, Stevenson has seldom faced challenges in the ring. However, at just 17 years old, Stevenson sought valuable training with pound-for-pound star Crawford, nine years his senior, to bridge the gap from his amateur background to the elite level.
Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Stevenson recalled initiating the sparring sessions, unaware of the lesson that awaited him. “When I was seventeen, I asked him for rounds,” Stevenson recounted. “It was one of those times I had to realize I wasn’t the best.” The session lasted only two to three intense four-minute rounds, where Stevenson admitted Crawford delivered a beating unlike any other in his career.
While footage of their sparring session in 2015 remains scarce, it marked a significant learning curve for Stevenson, who subsequently made waves in amateur boxing, winning a silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics. His professional journey began in February 2017, amassing a 12-fight winning streak before claiming his first world title at featherweight against Joet Gonzalez in 2019.
Stevenson’s ascent continued as he moved up to super-featherweight, capturing the WBO world title by defeating Jamel Herring. His dominance expanded further with a unification victory over Oscar Valdez for the WBC belt in 2022, underscoring his rise in the sport.
Throughout his career, Stevenson has credited Crawford for shaping his trajectory, acknowledging the multiple sparring sessions and the invaluable lessons learned. “Just being around ‘Bud’ Crawford, he’s a major reason why I am who I am,” Stevenson remarked. “He showed me there are levels, and I needed to elevate my game.”
Meanwhile, Crawford himself has cemented his legacy as a three-weight world champion and an undisputed titleholder at super-lightweight and welterweight. His pivotal victory over Errol Spence Jr. solidified his status as a pound-for-pound leader in boxing.
Looking ahead, Crawford eyes further accomplishments, aiming to become a four-weight champion in his upcoming bout against Israil Madrimov. A potential clash with Canelo Alvarez in 2025 could define Crawford’s illustrious career even further, underscoring his influence and impact on the sport of boxing.
