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Eddie Hearn has slammed Shakur Stevenson’s behavior on social media following the announcement of his retirement.
Stevenson confirmed he was walking away from the sport shortly after the WBO mandated Emanuel Navarrete vs Denys Berinchyk for the vacant lightweight belt. Shakur had hoped to face Navarrette to unify the division. Stevenson holds the WBC Lightweight Belt, a title he acquired after defeating Edwin De Los Santos. The WBO’s order ended those hopes as Shakur retired. But Stevenson’s desire to make the big fights has not been helped by his conduct.
Shakur’s performance against De Los Santos resulted in mass criticism due to his extreme defensive style. Although that was justified because he had a hand injury coming into the fight, Stevenson could have pulled out to protect his brand. The failure to do so has resulted in Davis’ team distancing themselves from Shakur, given the difficulties they perceive in selling that fight.
A fight with Devin Haney is also unlikely after Shakur reportedly turned it down. When Haney was at 135 pounds, Stevenson rejected a 25 percent offer to make the fight. Shakur justified it because the offer did not reflect his true value. But by turning it down, he missed the chance to become the Undisputed Lightweight Champion and give Haney his first loss. Now, Hearn has called on Stevenson to focus on boxing.
Hearn On Stevenson
“It’s ridiculous. Like I don’t even know why we give this kind of stuff airtime. Like Shakur Stevenson, one of the best pound for pound fighters on the planet, he’s so boring. How old is the guy, 26. Of course he’s not retiring. Just say to him ‘Alright, mate. Bye. Come back to us when you’ve finished your tantrum.’
“What Shakur Stevenson should be doing is actually getting off Twitter because I rate him as one of the top fighters in the world…do you think a fan wants to read about Shakur Stevenson sulking about the politics of boxing and saying he’s retiring and then when he comes back, what, do you expect people to support him even more?” Hearn said
Shakur could still get a big fight once Navarette and Berinchyk face off. He will also be in a good position to negotiate a better deal with Top Rank since he has one fight left on his contract. That will incentivize Top Rank to make the biggest fights. Outside of the winner of Navarette vs. Berinchyk, Shakur could take on the winner of Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. George Kambosos Jr. The latter two face off on May 12 for the vacant IBF Lightweight Title. That is why Hearn has called on Stevenson to remain focused.
Stevenson’s Options
“When Navarrete beats Baranchyk I would think Top Rank would make Shakur Stevenson against Navarrete for a unification. So he’s just sulking. You don’t need to sulk, you’re in a good position, and the fans don’t like sulking,” Hearn added
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