Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn is setting his sights on Shakur Stevenson, hoping to lure him into signing with his promotion company. Stevenson, who is considered one of the most talked-about fighters in the world, recently turned down a $15 million offer from Top Rank. Hearn is confident that he can make Stevenson a star, offering him a promising platform and ambitious promises. However, the question remains whether Hearn’s offer will surpass the one put on the table by Top Rank.
While Hearn is eager to sign Stevenson and transform him into a mega-star, there are risks involved in investing such a hefty sum in a fighter who may not appeal to a wide audience. Stevenson’s fighting style, often criticized as dull and risk-averse, may not resonate with fans who are looking for action-packed performances. Hearn’s track record with similar fighters, like Richardson Hitchins, who failed to gain popularity, raises doubts about the success of this potential partnership.
Stevenson’s decision to turn down Top Rank’s offer and seek a company that can secure him lucrative fights, such as against Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, presents its own set of challenges. While a fight against Davis would undoubtedly generate a lot of buzz and revenue, Stevenson’s lack of power and defensive fighting style may not bode well against a powerful opponent like Davis. The risk of disappointment, akin to the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight, looms large over such a high-profile match-up.
As Hearn seeks to woo Stevenson and elevate him to superstar status, there are several hurdles that need to be overcome. From transforming Stevenson’s fighting style to attracting a wider audience of fans, the path to success is fraught with uncertainty. While Hearn’s vision may be grand and his promises ambitious, turning a relatively unknown fighter like Stevenson into a household name will require more than just money and platform. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off for both Hearn and Stevenson in the competitive world of boxing promotion.