Shakur Stevenson’s Future in the Ring
Shakur Stevenson, the reigning WBC lightweight champion, stands at a critical juncture in his career. With just one fight remaining on his contract with Matchroom Boxing, the 2016 Olympic silver medalist is eyeing some formidable opponents to cap off his association with promoter Eddie Hearn. Stevenson, known for his technical prowess and strategic fighting style, has set his sights on three specific names: Gervonta "Tank" Davis, William Zepeda, and Lamont Roach. However, the path to these dream matches is fraught with obstacles, and the likelihood of any of these high-profile bouts materializing remains uncertain.
The Dream Match Dilemma
Tank Davis, who recently captured the WBA lightweight title, is a natural choice for Stevenson. The enthusiasm among boxing fans for a clash between these two lightweight titans is palpable, but the reality is more complex. Davis and Roach are expected to rematch, and neither fighter is likely to deviate from this plan due to the significant fan interest in their second encounter. Similarly, WBC interim lightweight champion Zepeda, who is set to face Tevin Farmer on March 29th in Cancun, Mexico, has yet to express any interest in a showdown with Stevenson. This leaves Stevenson in a bind, as his promoters at Golden Boy are still evaluating their options.
Alternative Fights on the Horizon
Given the unlikelihood of landing these top opponents, Stevenson may have to settle for alternative matchups. Eddie Hearn, known for his ability to secure competitive but manageable fights, has a arsenal of British boxers ready to step into the ring. Names like Andy Cruz, Raymond Muratalla, Abdullah Mason, Edwin De Los Santos, and Joe Cordina are potential candidates. Even Josh Padley, whom Stevenson recently faced, could be a repeat opponent. While these fighters may not offer the same allure as the marquee names Stevenson is targeting, they provide a practical and feasible alternative.
The League Leap: A Risky Proposition
Shakur Stevenson is also considering a move to a new boxing league, spearheaded by Turki Alalshikh. The allure of big money and high-profile fights is tempting, but the risks are significant. Turki’s vision for the league involves pitting top fighters against each other, a concept that could be disastrous for Stevenson. As a fighter who has been well-protected by Matchroom and Top Rank, facing more dangerous opponents could expose his vulnerabilities. Stevenson’s track record includes only one encounter with a notable puncher, Edwin De Los Santos, which did not end well. The prospect of facing a welterweight like Jaron Ennis, as Turki might suggest, is a recipe for a mismatch and potential career setback.
Dream Matches and Realities
Despite the challenges, Stevenson remains optimistic about his final fight with Matchroom. In an interview with Cigar Talk, he expressed his desire to face either Zepeda or Tank, with Lamont Roach as a viable alternative. Stevenson’s friendship with Roach adds a personal touch to this potential matchup, making it an intriguing possibility. However, he is realistic about the challenges. "If he’s staying at 147, that fight is never going to happen," Stevenson said, referring to Devin Haney’s decision to remain in the welterweight division. Haney, with a perfect record of 31-0 and a penchant for big fights, is unlikely to drop to lightweight, further narrowing Stevenson’s options.
The Road Ahead
Shakur Stevenson’s next move will be crucial in shaping the remainder of his career. Whether he stays with Matchroom for another short contract or takes the leap to a new league with Turki Alalshikh, the stakes are high. Stevenson’s technical skills and strategic mindset have served him well, but the next fight will test his mettle and resilience. As he navigates this pivotal moment, the boxing world will be watching with bated breath to see which path the talented lightweight champion chooses. One thing is certain: the future holds both promise and peril for Shakur Stevenson, and how he navigates this crossroads will define his legacy in the ring.
