“Stevenson vs. Davis Showdown in Doubt as Shakur Eyes Free Agency!”
Shakur Stevenson’s latest move in his boxing career has sent shockwaves through the industry, with implications that could potentially alter the landscape of the sport. The young fighter’s decision to part ways with Bob Arum’s Top Rank promotion has left many wondering about the future of his career and the potential financial ramifications for his former promotional team.
With his upcoming title defense against Artem Harutyunyan scheduled for July 6 in Newark, New Jersey, Stevenson finds himself at a pivotal moment in his career. However, looming over the bout is the fact that it could be his last under the Top Rank banner, as his contract with the promotional company is set to expire thereafter. This development has raised concerns about the potential loss of revenue for Top Rank, especially considering the lucrative fights that could be on the horizon for Stevenson.
“He doesn’t have to go to [PBC] because we control a lot of the money now. You can see by the fight in Saudi Arabia. And money makes the world go round in boxing,” he noted.
One such matchup that has captured the imagination of fans is a potential showdown between Stevenson and Gervonta Davis. The animosity between the two fighters has been well-documented, and both Davis and his trainer Kenny Ellis have hinted at a future clash. However, with Stevenson’s impending free agency, Top Rank could miss out on the opportunity to promote what promises to be a highly lucrative fight.
Sky Sports, he revealed, “I have this other fighter, Shakur Stevenson, who is also a great technician. So if Lomachenko wins and Shakur, who is scheduled to fight in July wins, then for the fall to do a Lomachenko-Shakur fight. Every serious boxing fan will be watching that in awe between two great technicians fighting for a unified title.”
Speculation about Stevenson’s future has been rife for some time, with rumors of his departure from Top Rank surfacing as early as last December. While Bob Arum has expressed confidence that Stevenson would remain with the promotion, recent reports suggest otherwise. According to boxing reporter Michael Benson, Stevenson is poised to become a free agent after his next fight, with no plans to enter into a long-term deal with Top Rank.
In response to these reports, Arum has acknowledged the possibility of Stevenson leaving but remains optimistic about the future. He has pointed to Top Rank’s financial resources as a potential bargaining chip in negotiations with the fighter. However, Stevenson’s desire for big-money fights and the freedom to choose his opponents could prove to be decisive factors in his decision-making process.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Arum has already begun looking ahead to potential matchups for Stevenson. One fight that he envisions is a showdown between Stevenson and Vasyl Lomachenko, should both fighters emerge victorious from their respective bouts. Arum sees this matchup as a tantalizing prospect for boxing fans and a potential blockbuster event for the fall.
As Stevenson prepares for his upcoming title defense, the boxing world waits with bated breath to see what the future holds for one of the sport’s most promising young talents.
