Despite Help from Floyd Mayweather, Shakur Stevenson Picks Eddie Hearn as “One of the Best Promoters”
Shakur Stevenson, one of boxing’s hottest free agents, is making headlines again. Promotional giants are vying for his signature, but Stevenson has dropped a hint about his future direction, potentially upsetting some major figures in the boxing world.
The 27-year-old Stevenson recently fulfilled his contractual obligations with Bob Arum’s Top Rank, following a dominant victory over Artem Harutyunyan in his homecoming bout last Saturday. While Top Rank has a strong reputation for nurturing young talent, Stevenson has yet to renew his contract with them, despite a lucrative offer of $3 million per fight over five fights. Even with a budding friendship with Floyd Mayweather, Stevenson seems to hold Eddie Hearn in higher regard as a promoter.
Stevenson’s Respect for Eddie Hearn
In a candid interview with Naji on Cigar Talk, Stevenson, boasting an undefeated record of 22-0, expressed his admiration for Eddie Hearn. “I’ve got nothing but respect and love for Floyd. He’s been talking to me a lot and helping me out… I think Eddie Hearn is one of the best promoters. Top Rank has ESPN, but promotion-wise, Eddie Hearn is better.”
Promotional Battle Heats Up
British promoter Eddie Hearn has shown keen interest in adding Stevenson to his Matchroom Boxing stable. Hearn has criticized the current management of Stevenson, describing it as “terrible,” and has indicated his eagerness to discuss a potential deal. However, despite Hearn’s interest, securing Stevenson’s services won’t be straightforward.
Top Rank, known for its strong visibility through ESPN, remains a formidable contender. Bob Arum, the head of Top Rank, recently acknowledged the competitive nature of retaining Stevenson, noting, “Shakur [Stevenson] is between a rock and a hard place. If there’s nothing better, he’s going to come back to us.”
Mayweather Promotions: The Wildcard
Floyd Mayweather, despite not being Stevenson’s top choice, remains a significant player in this saga. Stevenson’s connection with Mayweather Promotions goes back to his early professional days. However, their relationship has had its ups and downs. Stevenson recently revealed that Mayweather prevented him from training in his gym before his fight against Ryan Garcia, which added tension between them. Nonetheless, their professional camaraderie was on display when Mayweather celebrated with Stevenson in the ring after his victory over Garcia.
The Future of Shakur Stevenson
With offers from multiple top-tier promoters, the future of Shakur Stevenson hangs in the balance. Matchroom Boxing has tried to entice Stevenson with a potential fight against Gervonta Davis. However, matching the fight purse that Top Rank has proposed is challenging. Moreover, Gervonta Davis fights under the PBC banner, which traditionally hesitates to collaborate with other promoters. Al Haymon, the PBC’s influential advisor, might not be keen on adding more fighters, complicating Stevenson’s decision further.
He declared, “I’ve got nothing but respect and love for Floyd. He’s been talking to me a lot and helping me out… I think Eddie Hearn is one of the best promoters. Top Rank have ESPN. But promotion wise, Eddie Hearn is a better promoter.”
The Stakes and the Decision
Stevenson’s decision will significantly impact his career trajectory. While Top Rank provides stability and exposure, Eddie Hearn’s promotional prowess and international reach present an enticing alternative. Mayweather Promotions, with Floyd’s business acumen and industry knowledge, adds another layer of intrigue.
Fans are eagerly waiting to see where Stevenson lands. His next move could either solidify his status as one of boxing’s brightest stars or set him on a new path to even greater heights. The question remains: Will Stevenson choose the familiar stability of Top Rank, the dynamic promotion of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom, or the strategic savvy of Mayweather Promotions?
The American promoter said, “Shakur [Stevenson] is between a rock and a hard place. If there’s nothing better, he’s going to come back to us.”
Trending Questions and Fan Reactions
As the boxing community buzzes with speculation, fans are left to ponder: What’s the best move for Shakur Stevenson? Will he thrive under Eddie Hearn’s guidance, or should he stay loyal to the proven success of Top Rank? Can Mayweather Promotions offer the boost Stevenson needs to elevate his career to the next level? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
