Jose Valenzuela Needs Shakur Stevenson, However Main Obstacles Stand In The Method

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“I want Shakur Stevenson. He’s a hell of a fighter. I would love to compete with him,” Valenzuela advised Max Kellerman following his victory at Zuffa Boxing 08.
Valenzuela believes his aggressive model offers him the blueprint to beat the unbeaten champion.
“Styles make fights. I’m a real fighter, and he’s a boxer. I believe his kryptonite is a fighter like me.”
While the problem was direct, making the battle is one other matter.

Valenzuela is just not at present ranked within the high 15 by the WBA, WBC, IBF, or WBO at light-weight. Unless the WBO agrees to sanction the bout, Stevenson would possible be unable to defend his title in opposition to an unranked challenger.
There can be little business incentive for Stevenson. Although Valenzuela’s knockout over De Los Santos was spectacular, he has but to ascertain himself as a significant draw. At the identical time, his energy makes him a harmful task for any light-weight. Stevenson has confronted just one comparable puncher lately, De Los Santos, and their November 2023 battle was closely criticized by followers after Stevenson relied on motion for 12 rounds to victory a unanimous resolution.
Valenzuela’s victory over De Los Santos may additionally entice scrutiny. Replays appeared to point out him touchdown a tough follow-up proper hand after De Los Santos had already fallen to the canvas. Referee Thomas Taylor neither warned Valenzuela nor deducted some extent earlier than waving off the competition.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission may very well be requested to evaluate the end after the replay confirmed the additional punch touchdown whereas De Los Santos was down. Whether the fee takes motion or De Los Santos’ unit information a protest stays to be seen, however the controversial sequence may develop into one of many greatest speaking factors to emerge from Zuffa Boxing 08.

One notable omission from Valenzuela’s post-fight feedback was Gary Antuanne Russell. Rather than calling for a rematch with the final fighter to beat him, Valenzuela instantly focused WBO gentle welterweight champion Shakur Stevenson.
Russell handed Valenzuela a large unanimous resolution beat in March 2025, profitable by scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 119-109. It stays one of many clearest losses of Valenzuela’s profession, but Valenzuela made no point out of making an attempt to avenge it.

.@RayoBoxing is aware of who he needs subsequent 👀 #ZuffaBoxing08 pic.twitter.com/7YvdcbWADN
— Zuffa_Boxing (@Zuffa_Boxing) June 29, 2026

Tom Galm is a boxing journalist who has coated the worldwide battle panorama since 2014, specializing in heavyweight evaluation, trade traits, and fighter psychology.