Shakur Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) says he has been active behind the scenes trying to finalize a unification fight with WBA junior welterweight champion Gary Antuanne Russell (19-1, 17 KOs).
Stevenson currently holds the WBO and Ring titles at 140 pounds, while Russell holds the WBA championship.
“Gary a real one I been on the phone with bro since the day I called Antuanne out on twitter trying to make this fight happen. We both want the fight so hopefully it can get done! He say Tweezy gone beat me and I feel I’m gone beat him.. Let’s get it together boxing business,” Stevenson wrote.
Stevenson appears to be referring to conversations with Gary Russell Jr., who has backed his younger brother Antuanne to win the matchup. Both sides have publicly expressed interest in making the fight.
Zuffa Boxing has also reportedly contacted Premier Boxing Champions with an offer for the unification fight, though no agreement or date has been announced.
Financial terms remain one of the issues still to be resolved. Gary Russell Jr. has said negotiations are active but that the sides have yet to agree on the money.
For now, Stevenson vs. Russell remains a fight both sides are pursuing rather than a finalized matchup.