The Potential Unification Fight
Promoter Eddie Hearn, a key figure in the boxing world, is optimistic about negotiating a high-stakes unification fight between WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis and WBC champ Shakur Stevenson. Hearn believes that if all parties approach the talks rationally, this match can be made. With Davis boasting an impressive 30-0 record, including 28 knockouts, it’s clear that he is a formidable contender. Hearn argues that Davis has limited options for making "big money" and that a fight against Stevenson is the most significant opportunity available to him. However, this optimism may overlook a critical point: Ryan Garcia, a highly popular and lucrative opponent, is not mentioned as a viable contender for Davis’s next fight. A rematch with Garcia could bring in substantially more revenue for the Baltimore native than a bout with Stevenson, who, despite his talent, is not a mainstream pay-per-view (PPV) attraction.
The Popularity Gap
Shakur Stevenson, at 27 years old, is a talented boxer with a solid fan base, but he doesn’t have the same level of popularity or market appeal as Ryan Garcia or even Devin Haney. Stevenson’s technical prowess and recent performances have garnered respect from hardcore boxing fans, but he hasn’t yet broken through to the broader audience that drives PPV buys. Hearn’s two-fight deal with Stevenson, signed in 2024, was initially met with excitement, but recent setbacks have dampened the prospects. Stevenson was scheduled to fight Joe Cordina on October 12, 2024, but had to withdraw due to a hand injury. This Saturday, Stevenson will have his first fight under the Matchroom Boxing banner, but his opponent is a replacement, either Josh Padley or Moussa Gholam, after Floyd Schofield, his original opponent, fell ill. These changes have raised doubts about Stevenson’s path to becoming a "global star," a goal Hearn seems determined to achieve despite market indications suggesting otherwise.
Hearn’s Miscalculation
It appears that Eddie Hearn may have miscalculated in signing Stevenson to a two-fight deal. The U.S. market has evolved, and action fighters are the ones who attract the most attention and revenue. Stevenson’s injury and subsequent changes to his opponent list highlight the challenges he faces in building momentum. Hearn’s assertion that the "biggest fight" for Davis is against Stevenson is questionable, given the higher profile and potential earnings a rematch with Ryan Garcia would offer. Garcia’s previous bout with Davis was a major event, and a second encounter could be even more lucrative. This oversight suggests that Hearn might be overvaluing Stevenson’s marketability and underestimating the importance of crowd-pleasing action fighters in the current landscape.
The Market Dynamics
The changing dynamics of the U.S. boxing market cannot be ignored. Fans and PPV subscribers are increasingly drawn to fighters who deliver exciting, action-packed bouts. Stevenson, while highly skilled, is known more for his technical prowess than his crowd-pleasing style. This has limited his ability to attract casual fans and PPV buys. On the other hand, action fighters like Davis and Garcia have a significant following and can draw substantial crowds. Hearn’s focus on Stevenson as a "global star" seems out of touch with the current market trends. It would be more prudent for him to consider matches that align with the audience’s preferences, such as a Davis vs. Garcia rematch, which could generate far more interest and revenue.
The Business of Boxing
Boxing is as much a business as a sport, and promoter decisions are often driven by potential profits. Hearn’s commitment to Stevenson’s career is commendable, but it must be balanced with financial viability. The replacement opponents for Stevenson’s upcoming fight, Josh Padley and Moussa Gholam, do not offer the same level of excitement or market appeal. This situation could further erode Stevenson’s chances of becoming a major PPV draw. Hearn’s investment in Stevenson would be more justifiable if the fighter showed a clear path to bigger, more lucrative bouts. However, with the current options available and the limited public interest in Stevenson, it seems risky for Hearn to continue pushing him as a top-tier attraction.
Moving Forward
Despite the challenges, Eddie Hearn remains confident in his ability to negotiate the Davis vs. Stevenson fight. He is banking on the idea that both fighters will see the mutual benefit in unifying the lightweight titles. However, the practicality of this match hinges on whether it can be marketed effectively to a broader audience. Hearn might need to reconsider his strategy and focus on more crowd-pleasing options to maximize the financial and promotional returns for both Stevenson and Matchroom Boxing. The boxing world is always unpredictable, but understanding and adapting to market trends is crucial for success in the business.
