1. De La Hoya’s Bold Stand: Rejecting Shakur Stevenson
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya has stirred the boxing community with his latest “Clap Back Thursdays,” where he publicly declared his disinterest in signing free agent Shakur Stevenson to Golden Boy Promotions. De La Hoya criticized Stevenson’s recent remark about not fighting for the public, interpreting it as a lack of interest in entertaining fans—a quality De La Hoya deems essential for his fighters.
2. Shakur Stevenson’s Response: No Hard Feelings
Shakur Stevenson quickly fired back on social media, dismissing De La Hoya’s comments. “He’s mad ’cause he found out I’m not signing with him. It’s ok, Oscar De La Hoya. You’ll get over it,” Stevenson wrote. Despite the public rejection, Stevenson remains unfazed and continues to explore his options in the free agent market.
3. The Search for a New Promoter
Although Stevenson didn’t reveal his next move, he praised his former promoter, Bob Arum, leading many to speculate that he might return to Top Rank. The possibility of Stevenson rejoining Top Rank, rather than signing with Matchroom, PBC, or Mayweather Promotions, suggests a reunion could be on the horizon.
4. The WBC Mandate: Stevenson vs. Zepeda
The World Boxing Council (WBC) has ordered negotiations between Stevenson and De La Hoya’s fighter, William Zepeda. However, De La Hoya is not pleased with the mandate. He expressed his frustration over the WBC’s decision, citing past unfulfilled orders like Canelo vs. Benavidez, and hinted at exploring other options for Zepeda’s next fight.
5. Potential Opponents for Zepeda
While De La Hoya didn’t specify who Zepeda’s next opponent might be, he mentioned having three other options. Among the potential candidates, WBO lightweight champion Denys Berinchyk is considered a likely contender. The decision on Zepeda’s next fight remains in the air, with fans eagerly awaiting the announcement.
6. The Philosophy of Promotion: De La Hoya’s Standards
De La Hoya’s critique of Stevenson stems from a fundamental disagreement over the role of a fighter. He believes that fighters must prioritize entertaining the fans, a philosophy that clashes with Stevenson’s self-focused approach. “Shakur Stevenson, you’re a great fighter and a great talent, but not for me. I believe when somebody says you’re not fighting for the public, I cannot promote,” De La Hoya stated.
7. Stevenson’s Career Trajectory
As Stevenson navigates the complexities of the boxing promotion landscape, his career trajectory remains a hot topic. With an undefeated record of 22-0 (10 KOs) and the WBC lightweight title, Stevenson’s future decisions will significantly impact his career and the lightweight division.
8. The Impact on Golden Boy Promotions
De La Hoya’s rejection of Stevenson raises questions about the direction of Golden Boy Promotions. By focusing on fighters who prioritize fan entertainment, De La Hoya aims to build a roster that aligns with his promotional philosophy. This approach could shape the future matchmaking and promotional strategies of Golden Boy.
9. The Role of Sanctioning Bodies
The tension between De La Hoya and the WBC highlights ongoing issues with sanctioning bodies in boxing. Mandatory orders, like the one for Stevenson vs. Zepeda, often complicate promotional plans and fighter career paths. This dynamic continues to spark debate within the boxing community about the influence and decisions of sanctioning bodies.
10. The Fans’ Perspective
Fans are divided over De La Hoya’s comments and Stevenson’s response. Some agree with De La Hoya’s emphasis on fan entertainment, while others support Stevenson’s focus on personal goals. This public discourse reflects broader conversations about the values and priorities in professional boxing.
