Shakur Stevenson, the WBC lightweight champion, has an undefeated record of 21-0 with 10 KOs under his belt. However, promoter Eddie Hearn is skeptical of Stevenson’s potential star power due to his defensive fighting style. Hearn believes that in order to elevate Stevenson’s status, he will need to undergo a drastic transformation in his approach to the sport. While Stevenson’s defensive prowess may appeal to a certain segment of fans, it fails to capture the attention of the broader audience, which prefers action-packed bouts over defensive showcases. The challenge lies in rethinking Stevenson’s fighting style to make him a more marketable and appealing fighter.
For Stevenson to truly break into the mainstream as a boxing star, he will need to face formidable opponents who have a substantial fan following. Fighters such as Gervonta Davis, Vasily Lomachenko, Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, and Ryan Garcia represent the kind of competition that can elevate Stevenson’s profile and garner widespread interest. However, the challenge for Hearn lies in the fact that none of these fighters are currently under his promotional stable. In order to secure high-profile matchups for Stevenson, Hearn may need to explore alternative strategies, such as lucrative offers or partnerships, to entice these fighters into the ring.
A Potential Partnership
Eddie Hearn has expressed a keen interest in signing Shakur Stevenson to his Matchroom company following Stevenson’s upcoming fight against Artem Harutyunyan. Hearn acknowledges Stevenson’s exceptional talent and views him as a pound-for-pound quality fighter. However, Hearn emphasizes the need for a comprehensive promotional plan to maximize Stevenson’s market value. While Hearn lauds Stevenson’s abilities, he also recognizes the limitations of his current fighting style in appealing to a wider audience. The success of any potential partnership between Hearn and Stevenson will hinge on the ability to craft a strategic plan that leverages Stevenson’s skills while addressing his shortcomings as a marketable asset.
One of the key hurdles in promoting Stevenson lies in his association with Top Rank, which may limit his exposure and promotional opportunities. Hearn criticizes Top Rank for not prioritizing Stevenson, citing Stevenson’s impending contract expiration as a factor that detracts from his marketability. However, assigning blame solely to Top Rank overlooks the underlying issue of Stevenson’s fighting style, which may not resonate with a broader audience. While financial considerations play a role in securing high-profile matchups, the core challenge lies in transforming Stevenson’s approach to the sport and making him a more entertaining and engaging fighter.
Hearn envisions a potential collaboration with Stevenson that extends beyond the realm of boxing matches. He proposes a holistic approach to transforming Stevenson into a star by investing in his promotional efforts and crafting a compelling narrative around his persona. While Hearn acknowledges Stevenson’s financial value, he stresses the importance of delivering fights that capture the audience’s imagination. By aligning Stevenson with promotional strategies that emphasize his strengths while addressing his weaknesses, Hearn aims to position Stevenson as a compelling figure in the boxing landscape. The journey to stardom for Stevenson will require a collaborative effort between Hearn, Stevenson, and other stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the boxing industry and elevate Stevenson to new heights of success.