Shakur was clearly joking, but the larger comparison invites an examination he may not enjoy. Becoming boxing’s next major money attraction will require much more than copying Mayweather’s defensive blueprint.
Floyd had blazing hand speed, crisp combinations and genuine knockout power during the first half of his career. His performances against Diego Corrales, Arturo Gatti and Ricky Hatton gave audiences action alongside technical superiority. Shakur brings a more controlled style that casual viewers rarely find exciting.
The Teofimo Lopez fight was a favorable stylistic pairing because Shakur could neutralize a boxer who relies heavily on single punches. William Zepeda presented a different challenge, forcing Stevenson to work under sustained pressure and exposing the limits of his economical approach. Against the wrong style, Shakur can quickly go from looking untouchable to uncomfortable.
Moving into higher weight classes only increases the danger. Shakur does not have the physical build or punching power to tear through the welterweight division before challenging the biggest punchers at 154 pounds. His insistence on catchweights for welterweight opponents suggests that he understands those limitations.
Floyd defeated elite champions from 130 through 154 pounds, turning fights against Oscar De La Hoya, Canelo Alvarez and Manny Pacquiao into massive global events. Stevenson shares some of his defensive traits, but he lacks Floyd’s speed, power, versatility and mainstream appeal.
“Baby Money” works as a quick social media joke. Building it into a real boxing business will be far tougher.
