Promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed interest in signing Shakur Stevenson to his Matchroom company following his recent fight against Artem Harutyunyan. Hearn believes that in order to elevate Shakur to the level of a star, a promotional overhaul is needed. Shakur, with a professional record of 21-0 and 10 KOs, possesses the skills and talent to become a major attraction in the sport of boxing. However, his defensive fighting style may not resonate with the current era of boxing fans who tend to prefer offensive displays in the ring.
It’s essential to recognize that Shakur’s style of fighting is akin to taking a singer from the 1920s and attempting to market their music to a contemporary audience in 2024 – it simply won’t connect. While Shakur’s technical proficiency and defensive prowess are commendable, they may not be sufficient to capture the attention of fans who are drawn to high-octane, action-packed bouts. To truly propel Shakur to stardom, he may need to reconsider his approach and adopt a more fan-friendly style that resonates with a broader audience.
For Shakur to truly make his mark in the boxing world, he will need to face off against formidable opponents who have established fan bases. Fighters such as Gervonta Davis, Vasily Lomachenko, Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, and Ryan Garcia represent the caliber of opponents that could elevate Shakur’s status in the sport. However, Eddie Hearn acknowledges that securing these matchups may prove challenging, especially since none of these fighters are currently signed to his stable.
Hearn’s admiration for Shakur’s talent and potential is evident, as he views him as pound-for-pound quality and a valuable addition to Matchroom. However, he stresses the importance of having a strategic plan in place to maximize Shakur’s value. This plan would involve matching Shakur against opponents with existing fan bases to attract broader attention and generate interest in his fights.
While the prospect of signing with Matchroom presents an exciting opportunity for Shakur, there are challenges that need to be addressed. Hearn highlights the need for a promotional revamp to enhance Shakur’s appeal to fans. Moving forward, Shakur may need to embrace a more engaging fighting style that captivates audiences and keeps them on the edge of their seats.
It is essential to acknowledge that Shakur’s current financial standing may influence his decision-making when it comes to potential fights and promotional opportunities. Hearn emphasizes the importance of delivering value in matchups to justify the financial investment, especially for high-profile fights that draw substantial attention from fans.
While Shakur Stevenson possesses immense talent and potential in the world of boxing, there are specific adjustments and strategies that need to be implemented to elevate his status to that of a star. By reevaluating his fighting style, securing high-profile matchups, and aligning with a promotional team that can effectively market his brand, Shakur has the opportunity to become a prominent figure in the sport and capture the hearts of fans worldwide.