‘Something is definitely off with him’: Shakur Stevenson calls Teofimo Lopez a crazy person

Shakur Stevenson just recently joined Ariel Helwani’s show to talk about his upcoming title fight against Teofimo Lopez, their history, and how he’s looking to handle his career going forward. Check out some excerpts from Shakur below with the full video interview in the link at the top.

Shakur on his relationship with Teofimo growing up

“Never was no friendship. I was a fan of him, I always thought he was a good boxer: speed, power, athleticism. Everything that he had then he still got now, so helluva fighter.”

On how he feels about Teofimo’s antics that had many calling him racist

“I’m going to make him pay for a lot of them things that he said about black people but at the end of the day I know he’s not racist. I know him deep down inside, he truly is a cool person, he wants to be great, and this is the type of fight that I really enjoy.”

On Teofimo’s demeanor during their opening press conference

“I think something mentally wrong with him. I don’t think he’s all the way there, mentally. I think he’s crazy. That’s my opinion. I think he’s legit crazy. I think something really wrong with him but I think that’s what makes him dangerous. I think them guys the most dangerous people — them delusional, crazy people who want to be the best and want they spot at greatness. So I got to respect it but I think something is definitely off with him.”

On his current relationship with Matchroom

“Eddie’s my guy. I’m actually not signed to Matchroom but he’s my guy. I’m a big fan of Eddie Hearn and nothing but respect to him but I’m glad that he’s the promoter on this card. I’m glad to share the spotlight with his promotional company.

“It’s just business. If it makes sense then I will (sign to Matchroom), you know. If it comes down to it and that’s what makes sense, then we’ll do it. But right now I just don’t think it makes sense.”

On if he believes this fight will earn him the respect he’s been wanting

“Yeah, especially in the fashion I’m looking to dominate it in. Yeah.”

On Conor Benn’s win over Chris Eubank Jr

“I didn’t expect him to do that but good for him, glad he did it. Keeps him as a name I can fight in the future so I’m glad he did that but I think Eubank was drained. He was dead. I think that wasn’t the version of Eubank — especially not just being drained, he just had a war with Conor Benn before that. So Conor Benn was a fighter that feel good after the war, he could go eat, do whatever he want, and Eubank can’t so I think that played a part.

“I think (a Benn fight) should be maybe next, maybe, after Teo…I want a rehydration clause, though (for a fight at 147).”

On how high he think he can go up in weight

“The weight that I feel (most comfortable) is 135 but how high? Probably 147. I’m just fighting off of skills. I’m so little that my skills is just going to take control.”