Sitting on the shelf can be incredibly boring. Shakur Stevenson would know.

After making just one appearance in 2024, Stevenson, due to a hand injury, was forced to take a seat on the sidelines. It wasn’t fun but The Ring’s No. 3 ranked lightweight attacked rehab like there was no tomorrow. Now, thanks to a meticulous work ethic, he feels like a brand-new man.

The time he lost in 2024 is something he’ll never get back but Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) can make the most of his 2025. With a showdown against Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield set to take place in just a few more days, Stevenson promises to carve him up, along with everyone else who will sign up to fight him.

“I’m a whoop some a-- this year, starting with Kid Austin,” said Stevenson to DAZN Boxing recently.

Boxing is a lonely sport but it’s also supposed to be one filled with gladiators. Yet, according to Stevenson, it’s loaded with cowards. From William Zepeda to Frank Martin, Stevenson has chastised them for doing everything in their power to “avoid” him.

Schofield though, is someone that has gained his respect. Although he’s young and isn’t the most experienced fighter around, he pushed for a showdown with Stevenson relentlessly.

His self-belief, however, isn’t being noticed by oddsmakers as he’s viewed as a significant underdog. All eyes are on Schofield but Stevenson, at least to a certain degree, is also looking ahead. There are a ton of top-level names he wants to get his hands on. Number one on that list, of course, is Gervonta Davis.

A showdown with the division’s biggest star and one of the most recognizable faces on the planet is a possibility from Stevenson’s point of view. He just can’t afford any slip-ups.

“Hopefully if everything goes right, all of my dreams are gonna come true.”