Shakur Stevenson’s Bold Move Sparks Controversy: Rejects $15 Million Deal, Mocks Vasyl Lomachenko and Bob Arum
In a dramatic turn of events, Newark native and WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson has turned down a lucrative $15 million contract from Bob Arum’s Top Rank, choosing instead to enter free agency. This decision came after Stevenson’s recent victory against German boxer Artem Harutyunyan in front of his home crowd, marking his final fight under the Top Rank banner.
Stevenson’s Discontent with Top Rank
Stevenson’s departure from Top Rank stems from months of frustration with the promotion company’s failure to secure him high-stakes bouts. Despite the company’s offer of a $15 million deal for five fights, Stevenson felt that his potential and worth were being undervalued. This sentiment was echoed in his post-fight actions and statements, where he took a cheeky dig at both Top Rank and Ukrainian IBF lightweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko.
A Potential Clash Denied
One of the major points of contention for Stevenson has been the elusive fight with Gervonta Davis, a bout he believes he deserved but was never facilitated by Top Rank. Instead, Lomachenko, another top prospect under the same promotion, is reportedly in negotiations for a fight with Davis later this year. This missed opportunity added fuel to Stevenson’s decision to leave the promotion.
A Message to Arum and Lomachenko
After his victory over Harutyunyan, Stevenson sported a provocative t-shirt bearing the image of Bob Arum and Vasyl Lomachenko, with the message, “Bob is saving his son from his a**-whooping.” This statement was a clear jab at Arum for allegedly protecting Lomachenko from a potential unification bout with Stevenson, which could have seen the WBC and IBF titles unified.
Shakur Stevenson’s shirt after his win over Artem Harutyunyan – picture of Vasyl Lomachenko with Bob Arum on the front and the words “Bob is saving is son from this ass-whooping” on the back… pic.twitter.com/pBVuylCd3I
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) July 7, 2024
Mixed Reactions from the Boxing Community
Stevenson’s actions and comments have not been well-received by all. Many boxing fans and analysts believe that Stevenson is overestimating his value and skills. Despite an impressive undefeated record of 22-0, critics argue that Stevenson has yet to face the top names in the lightweight division, such as Davis or Devin Haney.
One fan’s reaction encapsulated the sentiment: “Why isn’t he calling out Tank’s name?” referring to Davis’s nickname. Another added, “Man, his stocks are dying,” reflecting the perceived decline in Stevenson’s marketability.
Lomachenko’s Controversial Past
Vasyl Lomachenko, who fought Devin Haney in a closely contested bout in May 2023, also faces his share of controversy. Many fans felt Lomachenko was robbed of the victory, with Haney being declared the winner in a decision that sparked outrage. This context adds another layer to Stevenson’s criticism of Lomachenko and Arum.
The Fight that Could Have Been
Despite the backlash, there’s no denying that a Stevenson vs. Lomachenko fight would have been a marquee event, potentially one of the biggest fights of the year. It would have provided Stevenson with the opportunity to prove himself against a world-class opponent and solidify his standing in the lightweight division. However, with Lomachenko now likely to fight Davis, that opportunity appears to be slipping away.
What’s Next for Stevenson?
As Stevenson embarks on his journey as a free agent, the boxing world watches with bated breath. Will he secure the high-profile fights he craves, or will his decision to leave Top Rank backfire? The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Stevenson’s bold move will pay off or if it will be seen as a misstep in his promising career.
