Eddie Hearn reveals new Shakur Stevenson news

Shakur Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) has received plenty of criticism for his fighting style, but in recent years, he has cemented himself among the elite. On January 31 this year, he dominated Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden to become the WBO super lightweight champion. Speculation regarding his promotional future has been around since it was revealed his deal with Matchroom Boxing had ended. Speaking in a media huddle, Hearn has revealed where Shakur has committed his promotional future.

Zuffa Boxing sign Shakur Stevenson

Stevenson’s dominating win over Lopez saw him win The Ring and WBO super lightweight titles; he was stripped of his WBC lightweight belt, which he had held previously.

Chris Mannix had reported previously that Stevenson was working towards finalising a deal with Zuffa Boxing. Signing a fighter of Stevenson’s stature is a huge statement of intent from Dana White and Zuffa. Shakur’s former promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed the deal and gave his honest view:

When asked about working with Shakur Stevenson in the future, Hearn said: “No, Shakur has signed with Zuffa, so that will be him moving forward. I just don’t know who they’re gonna put him in with. Because as a business, Zuffa are paying these guys five times what anybody else will pay them to fight, who?”

“Are you gonna put Shakur in with O’Shaquie Foster and pay him 15 million? Good luck to Shakur. I love him. I said to him ‘f***ing great.’ It’s a weird, weird model. A model that’s not gonna last very long.”

Shakur Stevenson’s future

Zuffa’s initial stance on not wanting to work with sanctioning bodies appears to be rapidly softening. The signings of Jai Opetaia, Richardson Hitchins, and Shakur Stevenson (awaiting official news) are clear messages to the other promotional outfits that Zuffa are looking for the best fighters.

Signing with Zuffa likely means Stevenson will be moving back to 135lbs, with Zuffa recognising eight weight classes. The WBA and WBC titles remain vacant, with Raymond Muratalla and Abdullah Mason holding the IBF and WBO titles, respectively.

Could Zuffa make the fight everyone else has failed to make – Stevenson vs Gervonta Davis, who is rumoured to be returning to action later this year, despite his most recent troubles with the law.

Who would you have Stevenson face? And is Zuffa the right move for him?

Featured Image Credit:

Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing