Eddie Hearn, the Matchroom promoter, is setting his sights on luring the talented boxer Shakur Stevenson under his wing. Attending the Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis vs. David Avanesyan event, Hearn is hoping to make Stevenson an offer that surpasses the $15 million proposed by Top Rank. He believes in Stevenson’s potential and is confident in his ability to elevate him to stardom.
While Hearn is enthusiastic about signing Stevenson, there is a significant financial risk involved. Offering a substantial amount of money to a fighter who may not become a pay-per-view sensation can be a gamble. Stevenson’s upcoming fight against William Zepeda presents a challenge, and a potential loss could impact his marketability. Hearn must consider the possibility of an emergency exit clause to safeguard his investment in case Stevenson’s career trajectory does not align with expectations.
Hearn aims to transform Stevenson, known for his risk-averse style, into a superstar. However, skeptics question whether a promoter can successfully rebrand a fighter with Stevenson’s fighting approach. Comparisons to Richardson Hitchins, a similar style fighter who has struggled to gain recognition, raise concerns about Stevenson’s market appeal. Modern boxing fans favor action-packed fighters like Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia over defensive specialists like Stevenson. His contract expiration with Top Rank and rejection of their offer indicate his desire for high-profile fights, such as a showdown with Davis.
Stevenson’s ultimate goal is to secure a marquee bout with Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, a fight he believes he can win. Despite doubts about his power and engagement level against punchers, the potential matchup with Davis promises significant financial rewards. The buildup to the fight may generate substantial hype, even if the actual bout fails to meet expectations. This scenario raises concerns about fans feeling disillusioned, reminiscent of the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight.
Eddie Hearn’s pursuit of Shakur Stevenson as a promotional asset carries both promise and risk. The transformation from a skilled but cautious fighter to a charismatic superstar will require strategic planning and innovative marketing tactics. Stevenson’s future hinges on his ability to adapt to the evolving demands of boxing fans and deliver compelling performances in the ring. Only time will tell if Hearn’s vision for Stevenson’s career will come to fruition.