Shakur Stevenson makes surprise fight offer to UFC champion Ilia Topuria

Shakur Stevenson has shockingly suggested he is open to a showdown with UFC champion Ilia Topuria.

The American superstar recorded arguably the biggest victory of his career, dominating and dismantling Teofimo Lopez to become world champion in a fourth weight class.

Stevenson’s victory broke commercial records and his profile grew as one of the sport’s pound-for-pound leading fighters.

Naturally after his reputation grew significantly, the combat sports’ world compared him to greats including the likes of Floyd Mayweather.

But he was also thrust into a scenario where he could host power-striking UFC champion Ilia Topuria, who is keen to make a crossover to the squared circle.

And when asked about a clash, Stevenson made a compelling offer.

He told streamer Adin Ross: “You have got to take that back – you said that the UFC is better than boxing.

“Not at all – it ain’t even close. The skill level is different. Hell no. 

Tell him [Ilia Topuria] to come and fight me.

“I don’t care [if he’s a crazy boxer]. Tell him to come and fight me.”

Topuria – could he fight in boxing?

For now, Topuria is focused on his campaign in the UFC where he has already scooped two titles.

He is now eyeing a blockbuster return on the UFC White House card, which will likely come in a huge clash with Justin Gaethje.

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‘El Matador’ has already reached the top of the sport, and could only boost his legacy further by moving up to 170lbs to face Islam Makhachev.

But given his sensational fast hands and dynamite power, a move for the UFC two-weight king to the boxing ring makes perfect sense.

A path has been laid for him by the likes of Conor McGregor, who famously fought Floyd Mayweather in 2017.

Topuria previously called out boxing legend Terence Crawford as he eyed a big scalp.

But ‘Bud’ has now retired although their surprise rivalry sets up a clash with Stevenson, Crawford’s friend, perfectly.

When asked about a potential timeline for his move, he revealed it could be in the near future.

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Topuria said: “It’s no secret that I’ve always wanted to try my hand at boxing, but I think something I’ve always applied to my life is that if you try to catch two rabbits, you end up catching neither.

“So, I want to finish my story in mixed martial arts, in MMA, first, and once I’m done, then make my complete transition to boxing.

“I can’t be preparing for an MMA fight, then leave, prepare for a boxing match, come back. I don’t think that would be very professional, would it?”