Shakur Stevenson’s decision to turn down a massive $15 million contract extension from his current promoters, Top Rank, may prove to be a risky move as he explores his options on the free agent market. The deal offered by Top Rank would have guaranteed him a minimum of $3 million per fight, a sum that many boxers would dream of. However, Stevenson felt that the offer was not enough and decided to decline it, opening up the possibility of signing with other promotional companies such as Matchroom, PBC, or Mayweather Promotions.
While these potential suitors might offer Stevenson a chance at a fresh start, none of them can guarantee success in his future endeavors. Stevenson’s recent performances have been less than stellar, with his inability to impress fans and secure conclusive victories raising doubts about his abilities. His controversial wins over opponents like De Lo Santos and Harutyunyan have left many questioning his potential to compete against top fighters like Gervonta Davis or Vasily Lomachenko.
For any promotional company considering signing Stevenson as a free agent, the price tag may prove to be a significant hurdle. Top Rank’s $15 million offer was already considered substantial, and any new deal would likely need to surpass this amount to secure Stevenson’s services. However, given his recent form and lackluster performances, some may argue that he is not worth the investment.
There is a growing belief within the boxing community that Stevenson may not be suited for the lightweight division, where he currently holds the WBC title. Some experts suggest that he could fare better in lower weight classes such as 130 or 126, where his size advantage would be more pronounced. While the paydays may be smaller in these divisions, Stevenson’s chances of success and ability to shine could potentially be higher.
Comparisons have been drawn between Stevenson and former champion Adrien Broner, who struggled after moving up in weight. Stevenson, like Broner, relies on movement and technique to outbox his opponents, as opposed to relying on knockout power. While he displayed a more aggressive style in his recent fight against Artem Harutyunyan, critics argue that his inability to finish the fight convincingly raises doubts about his true potential.
Gervonta Davis’ coach, Kenny Ellis, suggested that younger talents like Abdullah Mason may possess more knockout power and crowd-pleasing abilities than Stevenson. Despite his win over Harutyunyan, Stevenson failed to impress with his punching power and overall performance. This has led some to question whether a long-term deal with Stevenson would be a worthwhile investment for any promotional company.
Shakur Stevenson’s decision to test the free agent market after turning down a lucrative contract extension from Top Rank may prove to be a risky move. While his options may seem promising, his recent performances and lack of knockout power raise concerns about his ability to compete at the highest level. The debate over his suitability for the lightweight division continues to divide opinions, with some suggesting that a return to lower weight classes may be beneficial for his career. Ultimately, the decision to sign Stevenson as a free agent will require careful consideration of his abilities, potential, and market value in the boxing world.