Two undefeated American champions in Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson have the opportunity to unify titles in the lightweight division.

Davis is coming off an impressive stoppage victory of Frank Martin to retain his WBA belt. Post-fight, he welcomed all challengers but was asked in particular about Vasiliy Lomachenko and Shakur Stevenson.

It’s understood that the Baltimore native’s team are now kicking off talks with Top Rank for the Lomachenko fight, something former world champion turned analyst Paulie Malignaggi told Pro Box TV was ‘the problem’ with boxing.

“This is my issue here. When I wanted to see Davis and Lomachenko, I wanted to see Davis Lomachenko. I don’t need to see Davis and Lomachenko when it’s too late already. Now I want to see Davis and Stevenson. And guess what? Nobody’s talking about Stevenson. That’s my issue. This is my problem with boxing.”

Malignaggi went on to praise ‘Tank’, but ultimately said his prediction – a Stevenson win – hasn’t changed despite the impressive performance.

“Davis looked terrific, man. I was very impressed with the performance … the way he was able to go and get that win. But, come on man, Shakur Stevenson is a different proposition than everybody else.

The little problems you saw Frank giving Davis tonight, it’s times 10 when Shakur’s there. The tall, rangey southpaw with a lot more IQ and a lot more versatility. It’s very different. I’m saying all this cause I want to see the fight – I think Davis is also very qualified for the fight. Am I saying do I edge Shakur? I’ve always edged Shakur.”

Stevenson returns to the ring next month in his home city Newark to put his WBC World Lightweight Title on the line against Artem Harutyunyan.