The news of Shakur Stevenson suffering a hand injury during training, resulting in the cancellation of his fight against Joe Cordina on October 12th, has disappointed boxing fans worldwide. The immediate surgery required for Shakur indicates a serious setback in his career, leaving uncertainty about his return to the ring.
With the uncertainty surrounding the co-feature fight between Chris Eubank Jr. and Kamil Szeremeta potentially being moved to the headliner position for the PPV card, concerns arise about the quality of the event. The suggested $14.99 price tag for the fight may not be justifiable if the main attraction does not meet fans’ expectations.
Matchroom Boxing’s announcement of Shakur’s return to the ring in 2025 raises speculation about the promoters’ intentions and plans for the fighter. The lack of information regarding rescheduling the fight with Joe Cordina adds to the confusion surrounding the situation. Fans have expressed disappointment in the initial matchup and questioned the decision-making process behind the booking.
Eddie Hearn’s vision of turning Shakur Stevenson into a global superstar contrasts with the underwhelming choice of opponent in Joe Cordina. The mention of a potential bout with William Zepeda raises concerns about Stevenson’s readiness to face such a dangerous opponent post-surgery. Hearn’s decision to push for the Zepeda fight without considering a warm-up match for Stevenson shows a lack of concern for the fighter’s well-being.
The negative feedback from fans about the Shakur-Cordina fight highlights the disconnect between promoter expectations and fan desires. The lack of excitement surrounding the matchup emphasizes the need for a reevaluation of future opponents for Stevenson. The choice to feature Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol in the main event on ESPN+ suggests a missed opportunity to capitalize on fan interest in the undercard fights.
Overall, the cancellation of the Shakur Stevenson vs. Joe Cordina fight due to the former’s hand injury exposes a broader issue within the boxing industry. Promoters must prioritize quality matchups that resonate with fans’ expectations to maintain interest and relevance in the sport.