Shakur Stevenson addresses Shannon Sharpe debate, Hearn leak
Shakur Stevenson's signing with Zuffa Boxing became the biggest addition to the promotion's roster, but it was his tense back-and-forth with Shannon Sharpe that drew more attention online.
The undefeated lightweight appeared on Sharpe's Nightcap podcast, where the former NFL tight end suggested Stevenson fights in a boring style before directly telling the 25-0 boxer as much. Stevenson pushed back on Sharpe's boxing credentials during the exchange, which turned heated as it continued.
Stevenson breaks down the Sharpe confrontation
Speaking to MMA Fighting in Las Vegas after his Zuffa deal became official during UFC 329 fight week, Stevenson said the conversation escalated because Sharpe lacked the expertise to debate him on boxing. "I feel like it was an intense conversation with Unc because Unc really didn't understand that I have more knowledge in the sport of boxing than he does and you can't really debate boxing with me," Stevenson said. "So when you actually pay attention to the discussion, he was talking in circles."
The 29-year-old added that correcting someone of his own race made the situation uncomfortable. Stevenson described his Zuffa contract as a combination of money and legacy opportunities unavailable elsewhere in boxing, though no opponent or date has been announced for his promotional debut.
On Eddie Hearn revealing the signing a month before Zuffa made it official, Stevenson said the Matchroom promoter jumped the gun but remains in his good graces. Hearn had worked with Stevenson previously and broke the news before Dana White could announce it himself.
Original reporting:
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