Eddie Hearn Could Sign Shakur Stevenson – ‘We’ll Definitely Be Having A Conversation’
Eddie Hearn is open to signing Shakur Stevenson.
Stevenson is in the final fight of his Top Rank contract. He will box Artem Harutyunyan on July 6 after which he hopes to explore his free agency. Under Top Rank, Stevenson has managed to become a three-weight world champion. He is currently the WBC Lightweight Champion, a title he acquired after beating Edwin De Los Santos. The performance, however, was criticized as Shakur’s defensive style damaged his brand. He fought off the back foot, while De Los Santos failed to cut the ring off.
It made a dour spectacle for the audience, who responded by booing. While Shakur did state he had a hand injury coming into the fight, it was not enough to stop the criticism from coming his way. During his time with Top Rank, Stevenson has failed to get the biggest fights. Fights with Teofimo Lopez and Vasiliy Lomachenko should have been made. They are both with Top Rank, removing any hurdles from competing promoters.
Hearn Reacts
But by signing with DAZN, Shakur could get that big fight. Devin Haney is one name that is close to Matchroom. He is a free agent, but he often fights on DAZN. There is also the chance to box Subriel Matias. The former IBF Junior Welterweight Champion lost his belt to Liam Paro. But before that, Matias was seen as the bogeyman of the division. There is also the chance of fighting Jack Catterall outside. Catterall has been chasing the big fights and is coming off a win against the former Undisputed Junior Welterweight Champion Josh Taylor. Hearn was open to getting Shakur under his banner.
“If Shakur wants to pledge his future, you make a significant investment. If it’s a two, three-fight deal, he’s going to be getting a lot of money, and it’s got to work for you as well. I think Shakur, pound-for-pound, is one of the best fighters in the world. He may be unbeatable. He’s that good, but I think he’s been promoted terribly.
“I think some of that is because when Bob [Arum] knows a fighter is looking to leave, he’s out. For the revenue he creates for the show, he’s earned a lot of money, but he hasn’t been pushed to make him a commercial success. I like him. I think he’s a great fighter and would be an incredible addition to the Matchroom team. If he’s available, we’ll definitely be having a conversation; whether it works for both of us, we’ll have to see,” Hearn said
Arum’s Response
Nevertheless, Arum does not see things the same way. He has questioned whether Shakur can command the type of deal he wants. The Top Rank promoter referenced Hearn, saying he would pay him less than what he did. But this could change if a big fight is made. Arum also questioned whether PBC could take on more fighters. Deontay Wilder, Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford were some of the names who recently cut ties with them. That puts Shakur in a tough position.
“The problem is, he won’t be because I talked to Eddie [Hearn] in England, and Eddie said, ‘I ain’t going to pay him the money you guys pay him,” Arum stated
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