The news of Shakur Stevenson’s $5 million guaranteed purse for his upcoming title defense against Joe Cordina has sparked outrage among fans and observers. Many are questioning the validity of such a hefty payout, especially considering the level of opposition he is facing and his recent lackluster performances in the ring.
Shakur’s recent fights against Artem Harutyunyan and Edwin De Los Santos did not impress fans, leading many to believe that his $5 million purse is unwarranted. Fans argue that given the caliber of his opponent and his less than stellar performances, a payout between $750K to $1 million would be more appropriate.
The controversy doesn’t stop with Shakur’s purse, as Joe Cordina’s immediate title shot at 135 pounds has also raised eyebrows. Coming off a knockout loss in his last fight, Cordina’s quick ascent to a title shot is being criticized as unfair and unjust. Many believe that fighters like Raymond Muratalla, Andy Cruz, and others should have had the opportunity to earn a title shot instead.
The upcoming fight on October 12th where Shakur will defend his WBC lightweight belt will be a crucial moment for his career. If the DAZN PPV event fails to draw in viewers and performs poorly, it could significantly impact Shakur’s future paydays and opportunities. As the headline attraction, all eyes will be on Shakur, and the outcome of the fight will play a significant role in shaping his future in the sport.
Despite the controversy surrounding his purse and the criticisms of his opponent’s credentials, Shakur Stevenson remains focused on the task at hand. He’s made it clear that he’s in the sport to secure the bag and maximize his earnings. However, the pressure is on for Shakur to deliver a commanding performance on October 12th and silence his critics.
The upcoming fight between Shakur Stevenson and Joe Cordina has stirred up a whirlwind of debate and controversy within the boxing community. While Shakur’s $5 million purse may seem extravagant to some, the true test will come on fight night when he steps into the ring to defend his title. Only time will tell if Shakur is deserving of such a hefty payday or if his critics’ doubts will be validated.