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Hall of Fame legend says Shakur Stevenson needs to fight like him: “He’s boring”

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Shakur Stevenson received high praise from most of the boxing world for his recent victory over Teofimo Lopez but one legend from the sport wasn’t as impressed as everybody else.

Stevenson defeated Lopez by unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden in New York last month, winning the WBO super-lightweight title and becoming a four-division world champion in the process.

The 28-year-old dominated the action as the three judges all scored the bout 119-109 in his favour, as Lopez struggled to cope with his opponent’s ability.

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Many big stars have commended Stevenson for his win, suggesting that he could go on to be one of the most exciting names in the entire sport, but Hall of Fame inductee James Toney doesn’t seem to agree with that sentiment.

Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Toney felt the win over Lopez was boring, insisting that Stevenson isn’t as impressive as he was during his own career.

“I saw the first six rounds. It was boring. He doesn’t do it like I did it. If he did it like I did, combinations and punches and putting stuff together, he would be exciting, but it was [boring]. He needs to get the dog in him.”

Toney was a three-division world champion during his illustrious career, one weight class fewer than what Stevenson has managed thus far.

‘Lights Out’ won 77 of his 92 fights, 47 of those by knockout, giving him a KO percentage of 61%. Stevenson is unbeaten at 25-0, with 11 wins by stoppage, with his KO percentage standing at 44%, and it appears Toney would want to see that improved in the future.

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Insider Reveals What It Would Take to Land Jonathan Greenard

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Vikings OLBs Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel against the Cowboys in Week 15
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) and Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew van Ginkel (43) celebrate after a play during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.

According to recent reports, the Minnesota Vikings are exploring the possibility of trading standout edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. While it would hurt to see a good player leave the organization, perhaps the incoming trade compensation could ease that pain.

Greenard is a productive player in his prime on a relatively cheap contract, given the market rate for edge rushers. So what’s his trade price?

Seahawks reporter Corbin K. Smith revealed on social media, “Re: Vikings pass rusher Jonathan Greenard… I’m told by a reporter with inside knowledge of the team that Minnesota has received inquiries from ‘half the league,’ including #Seahawks. He’s going to be in demand, but sounds like a second-rounder and Day 3 pick is the sweet spot.”

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The Super Bowl champs have inquired. A reunion with 2024 free agency classmate Sam Darnold could be on the table. Either way, Greenard would bring the Vikings a 2nd-rounder and another pick on Day 3 if Smith’s report is accurate.

Vikings OLB Jonathan Greenard against the Falcons in Week 2 of 2025.
Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) celebrates a sack during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

It’s traditionally hard to get a hold of a 1st-round Draft pick, especially for a player that’s not quite considered elite. Furthermore, Greenard is reportedly asking for a raise, which lowers his market value.

Albert Breer of SI commented about the situation: “The Vikings’ situation with OLB Jonathan Greenard is a bit complex—Greenard is seeking a market correction to his contract, per sources. He’s due $19 million and would like a raise. Minnesota is comfortable with him at his current number. The team views him as one of their best players, and won’t just let him go. But if someone comes with a big offer, a deal could be had.”

Indeed, Greenard is underpaid in the NFL landscape, ranking 17th among edge rushers at $19 million a year. Nowadays, the top rushers get north of $40 million.

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That rapidly rising market is one reason situations like Greenard’s can become complicated. Players who outperform their contracts often seek adjustments, while teams must decide whether to reward that performance or maintain financial discipline. Those competing priorities sometimes lead to trade discussions, even involving highly productive players.

Our own Dustin Baker noted, “Greenard earns the aforementioned $19 million per season. When joining the Vikings two years ago, that number was fair and aligned with market value. Now, the veteran EDGE probably deserves a bump near $27 million, give or take. For context, Micah Parsons in Green Bay earns $46.5 million annually. Parsons is certainly a better defender than Greenard, but he’s probably not $27.5 million per season better.”

Vikings OLB Jonathan Greenard sacks Justin Herbert in Week 8 of 2025
Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) rushes the ball against Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

He has undoubtedly been productive, though his sack numbers in 2025 didn’t match that, as QBs annoyingly wiggled out of his grasp several times.

In his first season in purple, Greenard sacked opposing passers 12 times, and he added 59 tackles (18 tackles for loss) and 22 QB hits. In the regular season, Greenard ranked third among edge defenders in QB pressures with 80 and first in QB hurries with 59.

His second season wasn’t as dominant, but still solid when healthy. His shoulder injury cost him five games, and he wasn’t at his best in some others, but he played through the issue until the club was eliminated. Greenard recorded 3 sacks, 47 pressures, and 36 hurries. His pass-rush win-percentage was comparable to his previous season.

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Jun 10, 2025; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43), linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) and linebacker Dallas Turner (15) talk during minicamp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

The Vikings must weigh the potential salary-cap relief and additional draft capital against the loss of one of their top defenders and locker-room leaders. If he’s out, Brian Flores would — barring a massive acquisition — turn to 2024 1st-rounder Dallas Turner, who played quite well in his sophomore season, especially when Greenard was sidelined.

Ultimately, the decision may come down to how aggressively the Vikings want to reshape their roster this offseason. Moving Greenard would be a bold step, but it could signal that the front office is willing to make difficult decisions in order to gain financial flexibility and future assets.

Editor’s Note: Information from PFFOver The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.

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Janik Eckardt is a German sports nerd, who likes numbers and stats. He chose the Vikings to be his … More about Janik Eckardt

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Morocco parts ways with coach Regragui before World Cup, Ouahbi appointed

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Morocco parted company with coach Walid Regragui on Thursday, three months before the World Cup, with the country’s football federation naming Mohamed Ouahbi as his replacement.

Regragui leaves despite having led the Atlas Lions to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 and to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations at the beginning of this year.

“I leave my post with loyalty, gratitude, and the certainty that I have served my country,” he declared during a ceremony broadcast live on television, confirming weeks of persistent rumours that he was on his way out.

Read moreMexico will make ‘a strong show of security’ ahead of World Cup, expert says

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Ouahbi, 49, is promoted to the role having overseen Morocco’s triumph at the Under-20 World Cup in October, with the federation describing the move as “a strategic transition” in the run-up to the World Cup in North America in June and July.

“It’s a desire not to waste time and to take a different direction,” a source close to the Moroccan Federation told AFP.

“By appointing Mohamed Ouahbi and welcoming top-tier reinforcements, we are raising our standards and our demands,” the source said.

Morocco will be in Group C at the World Cup along with five-time winners Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.

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They begin their campaign against Brazil at the MetLife Stadium just outside New York City on June 13 and will be hoping to make a big impression at the tournament before co-hosting the 2030 edition with Spain and Portugal.

“Our ambition is to consolidate our place among the best nations in a sustainable way and to perform well from this summer, as well as in 2030,” the leader of the Moroccan federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, said recently.

Read moreFIFA’s ex-chief Sepp Blatter joins calls to boycott World Cup over Trump policies

Regragui was hailed in 2022 after Morocco became the first African nation in World Cup history to reach the semi-finals, beating Spain and Portugal along the way.

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However, Regragui likely paid the ultimate price for the manner in which Morocco lost the recent AFCON final to Senegal.

His team were beaten 1-0 after extra-time at the end of a match marred by the Senegal team’s decision to walk off the pitch in protest at the award of a controversial late penalty to the hosts.

The penalty award with the game goalless sparked trouble in the crowd involving Senegal fans, 18 of whom were jailed following the disruption.

Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz eventually took the penalty after a long delay but his kick was saved and Senegal went on to win the game.

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(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

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“I know what skill level the fighters are on”

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South African flyweight MMA star ‘White Lion’ Willie van Rooyen says his next fight in ONE Championship will look completely different to his promotional debut.

Van Rooyen suffered a heartbreaking setback against Avazbek Kholmirzaev last November at ONE Fight Night 37 on Prime Video, losing via first-round submission to the Uzbekistani sensation.

Now that van Rooyen is ready to make his way back to the ONE Championship ring, the 23-year-old A-Team Stars representative wants to make a statement.

In a recent interview with ONE Championship, van Rooyen talked about getting his first-fight jitters out of the way and vows not to fold under the bright lights in his sophomore outing.

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Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more

‘White Lion’ said:

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“Now that I fought my first fight, I know what it feels like. I know what skill level the fighters are on. It motivated me and helped me work even harder.”

Van Rooyen also reiterated his desire to win the world title in ONE Championship, and he’s ready to put on a show:

“I want to become the ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion, so I’m really excited to show you guys what [I have in store] for this fight.”


Willie van Rooyen takes on Jeremy Miado in a flyweight MMA duel at ONE Fight Night 41 on Prime Video

South African fighter ‘White Lion’ Willie van Rooyen is ready to throw down with Filipino firecracker ‘The Jaguar’ Jeremy Miado in a three-round flyweight MMA showdown.

Both men are coming off defeats to Avazbek Kholmirzaev, and want to prove that they deserve another crack at the Uzbekistani.

The two lock horns at ONE Fight Night 41 on Prime Video, which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime on Friday, March 13, from the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

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Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding Willie van Rooyen’s next fight.