In a recent fight in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey, WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson defeated Artem Harutyunyan, bringing his professional record to a perfect 22-0. This victory marked the end of Stevenson’s contract with Top Rank Boxing, and he is now a free agent. Stevenson had the opportunity to sign a five-fight deal worth $15 million with Top Rank but turned it down, feeling he was worth more.
While Stevenson is considered one of the most talented fighters in his weight class, he is known for his defense-first style, which may not be the most fan-friendly. This has led to comparisons to Floyd Mayweather Jr., who also faced criticism for his defensive style early in his career. Mayweather, however, was able to build a lucrative brand outside the ring, becoming a megastar.
Mayweather eventually left Top Rank and found success on his own terms. Stevenson is now in a similar position, deciding whether to re-sign with Top Rank or explore other opportunities. Some boxing insiders, including former world champion Terence Crawford, believe Stevenson should consider leaving Top Rank for greener pastures.
One possible opportunity for Stevenson could be a deal with Riyadh Season, which has attracted top boxing talent for events in Saudi Arabia. Stevenson could potentially face off against other top fighters like Gervonta Davis and Vasyl Lomachenko in high-stakes matches. Premier Boxing Champions is also mentioned as a possible destination for Stevenson, offering the chance for big fights and financial rewards.
Stevenson will need to prove himself against top competition in order to maximize his earning potential as a free agent. Whether he can handle being the most polarizing figure in the room like Mayweather remains to be seen. With advice and support coming from other boxing champions like Crawford and Ishe Smith, Stevenson has the opportunity to create a new chapter in his career and make a significant impact on the boxing world.
