1. A New Chapter Begins: Stevenson’s Move to Matchroom Boxing
Shakur Stevenson, the WBC lightweight champion, has officially signed a contract with Matchroom Boxing, marking a significant shift in his career. The deal is for his upcoming bout against former IBF super featherweight champion Joe Cordina, set to take place on October 12th at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This fight will be part of the highly anticipated Riyadh Season event, headlined by the light heavyweight showdown between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
2. Undercard Status Raises Eyebrows
Despite Stevenson’s impressive record (22-0, 10 KOs), some fans and critics see his placement on the undercard as a demotion. Following two consecutive performances that failed to excite, many wonder if this is a sign of Stevenson’s star power dimming. However, others argue that his fight against Cordina, though significant, doesn’t match the magnitude of the Beterbiev-Bivol clash, justifying his position on the card.
3. The Stakes: Stevenson’s Path Forward
Stevenson’s future hinges on this fight. A win against Cordina (17-1, 9 KOs) could propel him back to main event status, setting up a potential showdown with William Zepeda in early 2025. However, Cordina, just one fight removed from holding a world title, is not an opponent to be underestimated. A loss could derail Stevenson’s momentum and put his career trajectory in question.
4. Hearn’s Vision: Turning Stevenson into a Superstar
Promoter Eddie Hearn has high hopes for Stevenson, believing he can transform the young fighter into a household name in the U.S. Yet, there are challenges. Stevenson’s defensive, counter-punching style, while effective, may not resonate with modern audiences accustomed to the high-octane action of UFC and other combat sports. To become a superstar, Stevenson may need to adapt and bring more entertainment value to his bouts.
5. One-Fight Deal: The Uncertainty of Stevenson’s Future
This fight is reportedly a one-off deal with Matchroom Boxing, specifically for the Riyadh event. If Stevenson wins, he is expected to defend his title against the undefeated William Zepeda (31-0, 27 KOs) in February. This fight is seen as a critical test for Stevenson, as Zepeda represents a significant step up in competition. Failure to secure a convincing win could spell trouble for Stevenson’s aspirations of becoming a global star.
6. The Dream Fight: Gervonta Davis Looms on the Horizon
The ultimate goal for Hearn and Stevenson is a blockbuster fight with Gervonta “Tank” Davis in 2025. However, this dream match is fraught with obstacles. Stevenson must first navigate past Cordina and Zepeda, both of whom pose serious threats. Even if Stevenson remains undefeated, negotiating a fight with Davis will be a complex process, especially if Stevenson insists on a 50-50 split, which could derail the talks before they even begin.
7. Cordina: A Dangerous Underdog
Joe Cordina may be the underdog in this fight, but he is far from a pushover. Known for his power and tenacity, Cordina will be aiming to land a significant upset by defeating Stevenson. His aggressive style contrasts sharply with Stevenson’s more measured approach, making this an intriguing clash of styles. Cordina has nothing to lose and will be swinging for the fences, which could spell trouble for the defensive-minded Stevenson.
8. Hearn’s Challenge: Marketing Stevenson in a New Era
Eddie Hearn faces a formidable challenge in marketing Stevenson to a broader audience. Unlike the days of Floyd Mayweather, where defensive mastery was celebrated, today’s fans demand action and excitement. Hearn’s promotional skills will be put to the test as he attempts to sell Stevenson’s skill set to a generation more interested in knockouts than technical brilliance. It’s a tough sell, but Hearn believes in Stevenson’s potential.
9. A Rocky Road Ahead: Potential Matchups at 135
If Stevenson continues with Matchroom, his options at 135 pounds are limited unless he is willing to move up in weight. Possible opponents include Andy Cruz, Cameron Vuong, and Gary Cully, none of whom carry the star power needed to elevate Stevenson to the next level. Without marquee matchups, Hearn’s goal of making Stevenson a global superstar might remain out of reach.
10. The Verdict: Is Stevenson the Next Big Thing?
Stevenson’s career is at a crossroads. His talent is undeniable, but his marketability remains in question. The upcoming fight against Cordina will be a crucial indicator of whether Stevenson can transcend his current status and become the next big star in boxing. With Hearn in his corner, the potential is there, but the road ahead is anything but certain.
