Shakur Stevenson, the WBC lightweight champion, is set to become a promotional free agent following his upcoming title defense against Artem Harutyunyan. With this fight being his last under contract with Top Rank, speculation has arisen about Stevenson’s next move in the boxing world. Despite his impressive record of 21-0 with 10 knockouts, Stevenson has not given any indication of his future plans. This leaves fans and promoters alike wondering where the talented young fighter will end up.
One potential landing spot for Stevenson could be Matchroom Boxing, led by promoter Eddie Hearn. Hearn has shown interest in signing Stevenson, but questions remain about whether he is willing to meet the financial demands of the 2016 Olympic silver medalist. Stevenson’s self-perception as a rising star in the mold of Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis may not align with the expectations of promoters like Hearn, who seek entertaining fighters that can draw in audiences. Stevenson’s reputation as a defensive fighter who lacks excitement in the ring could also deter potential suitors from offering him a lucrative contract.
Another option for Stevenson could be Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), particularly if he is fixated on a potential matchup with Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis. While PBC may offer Stevenson a chance to face off against Davis, there are concerns about the level of competition beyond this marquee fight. Stevenson may find it challenging to secure meaningful bouts and stay active if PBC has limited opportunities to schedule his fights. Additionally, if Stevenson fails to attract viewers and generate interest, he could face the risk of being demoted to undercard slots, as seen with other fighters like David Benavidez.
As Stevenson navigates the landscape of free agency, he must carefully weigh his options and consider the potential risks and rewards of each path. Signing with Matchroom Boxing could offer him exposure and opportunities to face new opponents, but it may come with the expectation of delivering more exciting performances. On the other hand, joining PBC could lead to a high-profile showdown with Davis, but Stevenson may struggle to maintain a consistent schedule and secure headline fights.
Shakur Stevenson’s future as a promotional free agent is filled with uncertainty and potential pitfalls. As he seeks to make a decision about his next career move, Stevenson must carefully evaluate the offers on the table and choose a path that aligns with his goals and aspirations in the sport of boxing. Only time will tell where Stevenson’s career will take him next, but one thing is certain – the boxing world will be watching closely to see how this rising star navigates the challenges of free agency.