Shakur Stevenson claims he is walking away from boxing at the age of 26 after growing disillusioned with the ‘weak’ sport.
Stevenson, who won silver at the 2016 Olympics, was tipped for superstardom in the professional ranks. Now, though, he claims his efforts will center on helping the next generation ‘chase their dreams’.
The 26-year-old became a three-weight world champion in only 21 fights, collecting belts at featherweight, super-featherweight and lightweight.
The unbeaten American currently holds the WBC lightweight crown, having previously held the WBO featherweight title and multiple superfeatherweight belts.
He was criticized for his last performance, when he labored to a points win over Edwin De Los Santos in Las Vegas in November.
Unbeaten American Shakur Stevenson claims he is retiring from boxing at the age of just 26
The Olympic silver medallist became a three-weight world champion in 21 professional fights
Stevenson had been linked with megafights against the likes of Devin Haney, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis.
However, this week, the American announced: ‘I’m officially retiring from the sport of boxing.’
He wrote on social media: ‘I’ll be in the gym forever perfecting my craft and helping the next generation become great and chase (their) dreams but I ain’t fw (f***ing with) this weak boxing game.’
It comes after he reacted with ‘disgust’ to reports that Emanuel Navarrete will fight Denys Berinchyk for the vacant WBO lightweight crown.
‘This is sickening… S*** is Disgusting,’ he said: “I (might as) well retire.’