Shakur Stevenson is undoubtedly one of boxing’s brightest stars, but is his dominance in the ring actually making him boring to watch? After his recent unanimous decision victory over Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden, Stevenson secured the WBO super-lightweight title and became a four-division world champion—an achievement that’s nothing short of remarkable. Yet, while the boxing world showered him with praise, one Hall of Fame legend isn’t convinced. James Toney, a three-division champion himself, called Stevenson’s performance ‘boring,’ sparking a debate that’s dividing fans and experts alike.
Stevenson’s win was decisive, with all three judges scoring the bout 119-109 in his favor. At just 28 years old, he’s already achieved more than most fighters dream of, and his undefeated record of 25-0 speaks volumes about his skill. But Toney, known for his aggressive style and 61% knockout rate (47 KOs in 92 fights), believes Stevenson lacks the excitement factor. ‘He doesn’t do it like I did it,’ Toney told Fight Hub TV, criticizing Stevenson’s lack of combinations and aggression. ‘If he put stuff together like I did, he’d be exciting. He needs to get the dog in him.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Toney’s critique fair, or is he holding Stevenson to an unrealistic standard? While Stevenson’s knockout percentage (44%) is impressive, it’s clear Toney expects more from a fighter of his caliber. Stevenson’s style is methodical, calculated, and undeniably effective—but does that make him less entertaining? And this is the part most people miss: Boxing is as much an art as it is a sport, and different styles resonate with different audiences. Stevenson’s precision and ring intelligence have earned him a spot among the greats, but Toney’s old-school approach suggests there’s room for more flair.
Big names in boxing have hailed Stevenson as a future legend, but Toney’s comments force us to ask: Can a fighter be both dominant and exciting, or must they choose one over the other? Stevenson’s rise is undeniable, but Toney’s critique challenges him to evolve—not just for the sake of entertainment, but to prove he can adapt to any style. What do you think? Is Stevenson’s style ‘boring,’ or is Toney’s criticism outdated? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
