Interest Confirmed: Hearn’s Ambitious Move
Promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed strong interest in signing Shakur Stevenson to Matchroom Boxing after Stevenson’s upcoming defense of his WBC lightweight title on July 6th. Hearn believes that Stevenson, currently undefeated with a record of 21-0 (10 KOs), has been under-promoted and should already be a major star in the United States.
The Promotion Dilemma
Hearn’s criticism of Stevenson’s current promotion is clear. He asserts that Stevenson’s talent and potential have not been adequately marketed. However, signing Stevenson is not without its risks. If Matchroom fails to generate significant revenue from Stevenson’s fights, the investment could turn into a financial disaster.
Shakur’s Financial Expectations
Shakur Stevenson would likely demand a substantial contract for a long-term deal, raising questions about the financial viability for Matchroom. The key challenge lies in finding the right opponents to elevate Stevenson to superstardom and justify the investment.
Limited Options at 140 Pounds
Most of Hearn’s roster around Stevenson’s weight class competes at 140 pounds. The only notable name Hearn has at 135 pounds is Cuban boxer Andy Cruz. Despite Cruz’s defensive style and hand speed, he lacks the popularity and marketability that Stevenson seeks in potential opponents.
Shakur’s Desired Opponents
Stevenson is eyeing high-profile fights against big names such as Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Ryan Garcia, Teofimo Lopez, Vasily Lomachenko, and Devin Haney. Hearn’s current roster doesn’t align with these aspirations, making it difficult to deliver the blockbuster bouts Stevenson desires.
The Tank Davis Factor
Hearn acknowledges that a fight between Shakur Stevenson and WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis is the matchup to make. However, this fight hinges on PBC’s willingness and Tank’s interest, both of which are uncertain. Tank’s camp has shown little desire to face Stevenson, complicating Hearn’s plans.
A Risky Proposition
If Stevenson were to fight Andy Cruz or lesser-known 140-pound fighters, it could hinder his quest for superstardom. Stevenson needs high-stakes, high-reward fights to boost his profile, and fighting lower-tier opponents won’t achieve that.
Past Criticisms
Stevenson has faced criticism for his fighting style, with some accusing him of running during bouts. This criticism came to the forefront during his fights against Edwin De Los Santos, Jeremiah Nakathila, Oscar Valdez, Joet Gonzalez, and Robson Conceição. A poor performance against a major opponent like Tank Davis could further damage his reputation and marketability.
The Dream Matchup: Stevenson vs. Tank Davis
Hearn remains optimistic about the possibility of a Stevenson vs. Tank Davis fight, which he considers a dream matchup. “For me, the fight to make is Tank vs. Shakur Stevenson. I believe this is his [Shakur] last fight with Top Rank. There’s been a little bit of flirting on social media,” Hearn said. This fight has the potential to elevate both fighters and captivate the boxing world.
Future Prospects and Challenges
Stevenson’s future with Matchroom remains uncertain. While Hearn’s interest is clear, the path to superstardom involves numerous hurdles. Securing high-profile opponents and delivering on the promise of exciting, lucrative fights is crucial for both Stevenson and Matchroom.
