Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela has never had a problem getting a fight. The same can’t be said about Shakur Stevenson.

During his time as a lightweight, Valenzuela (14-2, 9 KOs) took on all comers. More importantly, the fighters he wanted to face were willing to jump in the ring with him. If he stuck around longer, there’s a chance he could have landed a world title shot but that would have required patience.

While he was mapping out his next move, Valenzuela’s phone rang. On the other line was Isaac Cruz. It was an opportunity that he couldn't say no to, despite having to move up in weight. Now, after capitalizing on it, Valenzuela wants to give Stevenson a chance.

It’s been damn there impossible for him to get a big name to fight him. Stevenson believes that the lightweight division’s top dogs are petrified, others are convinced that the timing simply isn’t right. Whatever the case is, Valenzuela wants Stevenson to get a shot on the big stage. All he has to do is leave the comforts of the lightweight division and move up in weight.

“I would like to give Shakur Stevenson an opportunity,” said Valenzuela to Sean Zittel. “I know nobody wants to fight him at 35 but he’s a fighter I’ve always wanted to fight.”

It’s a kind gesture but Valenzuela might be getting ahead of himself. In a few short hours, he’ll defend his WBA 140-pound title against Gary Antuanne Russell. Winning isn’t a guarantee but the 25-year-old walks like a man who can’t be beat.

Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) hasn’t had the best luck in the world. Last weekend, the current WBC belt holder was supposed to be getting it on with Floyd Schofield Jr. but at the very last minute, Schofield fell sick, something Stevenson was skeptical about. Replacing him was Josh Padley. And while he tried, he lost virtually every second of every round before referee Victor Loughlin stepped in to call things off.

When it comes to the sweet science, Stevenson is a master of it. When punches are hurled in his direction, he often takes one small step back, making his opponents miss by a mile. After that, they're at his mercy.

Figuring out his defensive puzzle is a challenge that Valenzuela wants to pursue. But it isn’t just about testing himself at the highest level. Valenzuela has always had an eye on Stevenson, preying on him and watching his every move. Now that the stage is set, he believes it’s time to get it on.

“They say he’s hard to hit and I’m very competitive," continued Valenzuela. "When I was younger too, I knew who he was. I kept up with him. We were in the same bracket but I could never compete with him. My parents never had the funds to take me to tournaments but now we're both here. He’s a great fighter, I’m a great fighter so I would like to compete with him.”