“He’s Been Promoted Terribly”: Eddie Hearn Eyes to Sign Shakur Stevenson With Potential Gervonta Davis Fight Ahead

Without a doubt, Shakur Stevenson is among the best boxers in boxing today. But why hasn’t the three-division champion been in any mega-fights yet? Why isn’t he matched up with high-profile prospects like Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, or Gervonta Davis? Is that his fault? Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn feels that it is his promoter’s fault, and maybe he could take up the charge to make Stevenson the star he deserves to be.

Shakur Stevenson has been with Bob Arum’s Top Rank since the beginning of his career. With only one fight left in his contract with Arum, the boxer is expected to become a free agent after his July 6 fight with Artem Harutyunyan. Eddie Hearn believes that Bob Arum is not trying to make Stevenson a commercial success that can be. In Hearn’s opinion, as it is the boxer’s last fight with Top Rank, Arum has no leverage to increase the purses and give more money out than necessary. Hearn went on to reveal what he feels about the boxer and what would be best for him.

Eddie Hearn spots an opening

Eddie Hearn, in conversation with ‘Fight Hub TV’, spilled some beans about signing the 21-0 boxer. The British promoter stated, “I think Shakur is pound-for-pound, one of the best fighters in the world. He’s maybe unbeatable, maybe, he is that good. But I think he’s been promoted terribly.” Hearn also mentioned that the pugilist has not been pushed by his promoter to become a commercial success. Hearn believes that since Shakur is looking to leave Top Rank, Bob Arum doesn’t see the incentive in increasing his purse.

“Shakur should be a massive star, but he is not,” said Hearn, explaining that Top Rank hasn’t done enough in pushing Stevenson toward being a commercially valuable star. Suggesting a prospect to make Shakur a commercial success, the British promoter added, “I think he’s a great fighter. I think he would be an incredible addition to the Matchroom team, and if he’s available, we will definitely be having a conversation, whether it works for both of us, we have to see.” 

Few boxing promoters enjoy the same level of popularity as Hearn. He knows how to sell himself, and he definitely knows how to sell fights. The promoter has put it out in the open that he is interested in signing the WBC lightweight champion. Now the decision lies in the hands of the boxer. 

Shakur Stevenson is confident that his time will come 

The boxer from Newark, New Jersey, is likely the most ignored boxer currently. The best possible chance for him to get big paydays is by facing Gervonta Davis. The Baltimore native is one of the biggest draws in boxing today and a clash with Stevenson is one of the most anticipated bouts in boxing today. With Tank already looking for his next opponent, Shakur may get his shot at the knockout artist. Will it happen?

While talking about a potential bout with Davis, the 26-year-old southpaw stated, “Honestly, I don’t care. It is what it is. I’m doing this for me. I’m not doing this for money or clout. I don’t give a f*k about that s*t. I know that my time will come. Tank Davis has nowhere else to go but to fight me. At the end of the day, me and him will have to fight, and that’s my opportunity.”

After his spectacular knockout victory over Frank Martin earlier this month, ‘Tank’ had two potential options for his next match. One Shakur, and another Vasyl Lomachenko. Perhaps, he wanted to go forward with fighting ‘Loma’, and it is being discussed currently. There is a high probability though, that Davis could square off against Shakur after the expected Lomachenko fight at the end of this year. Meanwhile, do you think Shakur Stevenson joining hands with Eddie Hearn would turn the tables for him? Tell us your opinions in the comments below.