The Newark native is currently discussing a catchweight showdown with Devin Haney after both champions publicly agreed to meet at 144 pounds. While much of the attention has focused on the rivalry itself, the long-term significance could stretch far beyond another title fight.
A victory would leave Stevenson on course to become a five-weight world champion before the end of 2026.
If Stevenson completes the feat before the end of next year, only Oscar De La Hoya would have achieved the accomplishment at a younger age.
He would have reached the milestone younger than Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Thomas Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard and Terence Crawford.
Rare Company
Stevenson has already won world titles at featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight and super lightweight.
Capturing a world title in a fifth division would elevate him into one of boxing’s most exclusive clubs. Only six fighters have achieved the feat: Thomas Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Terence Crawford.
Beyond Undisputed
Over the last decade, boxing has seen a growing number of fighters collect undisputed championships as the four-belt era has matured. Becoming undisputed remains impressive, but it is no longer the rarity it once was.
Five-weight world champions remain a different story. Only six fighters in boxing history have crossed that threshold despite generations of elite champions attempting to do so.
A fifth divisional title would place Stevenson alongside Hearns, Leonard, De La Hoya, Mayweather, Pacquiao and Crawford.
In a sport increasingly obsessed with belts and sanctioning bodies, becoming a five-weight world champion remains one of the few achievements that instantly places a fighter into historic company.
Beat Haney and Stevenson moves within touching distance of a feat achieved by only six fighters in boxing history.
By Phil Jay