Shakur FaceTimes Mayweather – Is He Going To PBC?
Shakur Stevenson had a FaceTime call with Floyd Mayweather, increasing suggestions that he could sign with PBC.
Stevenson had his final fight with Top Rank, beating Artem Harutyunyan via a unanimous decision to retain his WBC Lightweight Title. It was the first defense of the belt he won against Edwin De Los Santos. Shakur may have won a comfortable decision, but his style came under fire. He failed to stop Artem, with some fans walking out before the final round. In his comments, Shakur revealed he rejected a five-fight deal with Top Rank, which was worth $15 million. He is backing himself as a free agent as he explores his options.
Oscar De La Hoya has already called on Shakur to discuss the possibility of fighting William Zepeda. The Mexican is undefeated with a 31-0 record and was linked with Shakur before Stevenson faced Artem. Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn has also said he is willing to talk with Stevenson. Now, Mayweather is the latest name. The following post shows Shakur on the call with Mayweather, increasing suggestions he could sign with PBC.
Shakur’s Options
The benefit of signing with PBC is that it could make the Gervonta Davis fight much easier to make. PBC are known for keeping their fights in house. However, since Tank and Mayweather are not on good terms, there is no guarantee that the fight will happen. Other options within the PBC include Frank Martin, Isaac Cruz and Edwin De Los Santos.
Stevenson almost a agreed a deal to face Martin. However, he alleged Martin pulled out after demanding 50-50. A fight with Cruz is a good match-up. Pitbull has the WBA belt at 140 and is a front-foot fighter, giving fans a good spectacle. As for De Los Santos, there is a narrative to run things back, given how Shakur fought on the back foot during that fight with many people booing. When asked about Stevenson previously, Mayweather said he was open to signing him.
“As of right now the biggest puncher I feel at 135 is probably Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, but the most skilful fighter at 135 would be hands down Shakur Stevenson. Well it’s all really about skills. Pernell Whitaker wasn’t a huge puncher but he was very exciting, very tough and he fought everybody and Shakur is trying to do the same thing, he’s trying to fight the best out there, he’s asking to fight the best. I believe his contract is coming to an end so hopefully we can come together and I can take him to the next level and give him the fights that he wants and make the fights happen that he wants,” Mayweather stated
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