Shakur on Loma: "Take a Break. Retire."

WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson has voiced his frustration with boxing organizations over their handling of IBF and IBO titleholder Vasyl Lomachenko.

– What disappoints you more—not getting a fight with Gervonta Davis or Vasyl Lomachenko?

– Lomachenko, without a doubt. Look, with Tank, I always knew that since he’s a huge superstar, that fight would happen on his time, not mine. I can call him out, say his name, maybe even piss him off. But honestly, it’ll happen when he decides it’s time.

But with Loma... I looked up to Lomachenko. I’ll be honest. I watched him, I liked him. He was that guy for me. And the fact that he backed out and really doesn’t want to fight me—man, that changed how I see him.

That said, I still think he had a hell of a career. He’s a legend. But I also still think he was scared to fight me.

What makes no sense is that he went and got the IBF title. He won the belt, and now he’s just sitting on it—for what? He’s not planning to get in the ring. He’s not showing up. There’s no motivation. What are you doing, bro? What’s happening, bro?

Just vacate the belt. Take a break. Retire. Why hasn’t there been an announcement yet—'Lomachenko has retired'? Either way, respect, champ. You had a great career. Congrats. But that’s how it is, - said Stevenson.

In May 2024, Lomachenko became IBF and IBO champion after defeating George Kambosos. Talks for a fight with Gervonta Davis later fell through.

It was later revealed that Lomachenko has been dealing with a back injury, and the IBF granted him a medical exemption to keep his title. Recently, his manager also weighed in on who would be the best opponent for Lomachenko—Tank or Shakur.