Shakur Signs With Matchroom – ‘I Want The Biggest Names’
Shakur Stevenson has signed a deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing for the Joe Cordina fight.
Shakur was a free agent after turning down a reported $15 million deal for five fights to leave Top Rank. His last fight with the company was when he defeated Artem Harutyunyan via a unanimous decision to retain his WBC Lightweight Title. Shakur explored other promoters as he sought out his next steps.
Oscar De La Hoya said he would only give Shakur the William Zepeda fight if he signed with Golden Boy Promotions. This was after the WBC had ordered Shakur to face Zepeda, who was his mandatory. Hearn hit out at De La Hoya, saying he was preventing the biggest fights from getting made. Shakur also spoke with Floyd Mayweather about signing with PBC. But the decision to join Matchroom has now been made.
Shakur Signs
“Shakur Stevenson is 27 and already a three-division World champion and might be unbeatable in the sport of boxing. This young man should be a global superstar, and I believe with our machine behind him, he will land all the big fights and receive all the credit that he deserves. The journey begins on October 12 in Riyadh on a huge card, and we cannot wait for the future together,” Hearn said
The decision to fight Cordina, however, has been questioned. Cordina was knocked out in his last fight by Anthony Cacace, as he lost his IBF Super Featherweight Belt. Cordina must reach 135 pounds to face one of the division’s best. However, by taking the fight, Shakur keeps himself active. A win will also increase the momentum to make the Gervonta Davis fight. Alternatively, Shakur could move up to 140 to get possible fights with Devin Haney, Liam Paro, Regis Prograis and Jack Catterall, who are all with Matchroom.
The fight occurs on the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol card as the co-main event. It is a massive platform for Shakur to showcase his skills. Stevenson must put on a spectacular performance compared to his last two fights. The fights with Edwin De Los Santos and Artem received criticism over Shakur’s fighting style. He fought on the back foot against De Los Santos, who struggled to cut the ring off.
Shakur’s Future
Meanwhile, Shakur failed to stop Artem despite being in control. Stevenson may suffer if he cannot earn the respect of his opponents with his punch power, especially if he faces Davis. Shakur will join Eddie Hearn next week for the kick off presser for the Bivol fight. The lightweight is looking to make the biggest fights.
“I’ve made it clear that I want the biggest names and the biggest fights in the sport. Bring on William Zepeda at the top of 2025, and I’m ready for anyone who is brave enough to step in the ring with me. There have been few willing to take on that challenge in recent years,” Shakur revealed
“With Matchroom and Riyadh Season, I am teaming up with a promotional force that matches my world-class talent. We will be unstoppable in and out of the ring, and I will continue to show my dominance for many years to come in the sport of boxing,” Shakur stated
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