Eddie Hearn’s Ambitious Plans for Shakur Stevenson
Promoter Eddie Hearn is making no secret of his intentions for WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson. In a recent interview with iFL TV, Hearn expressed his eagerness to see Stevenson face off against “Tank” Davis after his upcoming bout with substitute opponent Josh Padley on Saturday night in Riyadh. This strategy is part of a larger, ambitious plan that seems to be unfolding with great urgency. Hearn’s rush to set up the Tank Davis fight suggests a clear and perhaps calculated agenda.
The Urgency of the Tank Davis Fight
Hearn’s focus on getting Stevenson into the ring with Davis is palpable. He emphasizes that Stevenson is one of the best fighters in the world and that the Tank Davis fight is the next logical step. Stevenson’s first fight on his two-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing is against Padley, and Hearn is already looking beyond that bout. This urgency raises questions about Stevenson’s future with Matchroom. It appears that Hearn is intent on making the most out of Stevenson’s current contract, possibly indicating that he has no plans to re-sign Stevenson to a new deal.
Shakur Stevenson: A Fragile Champion?
Hearn’s push for the Tank Davis fight might also reflect a deeper concern about Stevenson’s long-term prospects at lightweight. Observers have noted that Stevenson’s recent performances suggest he might not be able to compete with the top talent in the division. Stevenson’s hand problems and near-loss to Edwin De Los Santos have raised doubts about his ruggedness and ability to handle the best in the lightweight class. This skepticism is further fueled by the choice of Josh Padley as his opponent, a fighter who is far from a top contender. Hearn’s approach seems to be to capitalize on Stevenson’s current status before any potential weaknesses are fully exposed.
The Role of Josh Padley
Josh Padley, the substitute opponent, is not the ideal test for a fighter of Stevenson’s caliber. Hearn’s decision to pair Stevenson with Padley can be seen as a strategic move to maintain Stevenson’s perceived invincibility. Padley, a promising but untested fighter, is more of a stepping stone than a true challenge. This match is likely designed to ensure that Stevenson remains unbeaten and continues to look good on paper, setting the stage for the more significant fight against Tank Davis.
The Ideal Opponents for Stevenson
If Hearn truly wanted to build Stevenson as a formidable fighter, he would match him against tougher competition. Names like Andy Cruz, Abdullah Mason, and Ernesto Mercado come to mind as more suitable opponents. These fighters would provide a genuine test of Stevenson’s skills and help build a stronger case for a megafight with Tank Davis. Instead, the choice of Padley suggests a more pragmatic approach, one that prioritizes short-term success over long-term development.
Looking Forward: The Tank Davis Fight
Despite the doubts and strategic maneuvers, the fight between Stevenson and Tank Davis remains a highly anticipated matchup. Hearn’s confidence in Stevenson’s abilities and his desire to stage this fight quickly indicate that he believes Stevenson can still perform well. However, the true test will come when Stevenson faces the best of the best in the lightweight division. For now, the focus is on Saturday night, where Stevenson will aim to prove his mettle against Josh Padley, setting the stage for what could be a defining moment in his career.
In the end, Hearn’s plans for Stevenson are clear: win against Padley, and then it’s all about Tank Davis. The outcome of these fights will not only determine Stevenson’s future in the lightweight division but also Hearn’s strategy for one of his most promising fighters.
