Shakur Stevenson’s Boxing Career: A Critical Analysis

BY BOXING HIT STAFF-

Promoter Eddie Hearn recently made headlines by signing Shakur Stevenson to a two-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing. The deal includes defending his WBC lightweight title against Joe Cordina and potentially facing William Zepeda in early 2025. While Hearn expressed his desire to match Shakur against Gervonta Davis in the summer of next year, it is important to note that the road to that fight may not be as straightforward as anticipated.

It is crucial for Shakur to perform well in his upcoming fights, especially against Zepeda, as a loss could significantly impact his popularity and hinder the potential matchup with Davis. Running from opponents, as seen in his fight against Edwin De Los Santos, will not do him any favors in the eyes of fans or promoters. The two-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing allows for a quick separation if the relationship proves to be unbeneficial, highlighting the high stakes for Shakur in these next bouts.

Hearn is confident in Shakur’s “superstar” potential and believes he has the skills to become a global attraction. However, recent performances have raised doubts about Shakur’s invincibility and marketability. The lack of a willingness to engage in exchanges and the heavy reliance on defensive tactics have limited Shakur’s appeal to a broader audience. To truly reach “pound-for-pound star” status, Shakur must show a more well-rounded approach to boxing.

While Shakur may excel in his defensive style and persona as a villain, there are concerns about his entertainment value for U.S. fans. The American boxing audience tends to gravitate towards more dynamic and engaging fighters like Gervonta Davis, Canelo Alvarez, and William Zepeda. Shakur’s previous promotional efforts with Top Rank failed to capture the interest of the average American fan due to his ultra-cautious fighting style.

Shakur Stevenson’s career at Matchroom Boxing presents both opportunities and challenges. While there is potential for him to become a global superstar, he must overcome performance issues and adapt his fighting style to appeal to a wider audience. The upcoming fights against Cordina and Zepeda will be crucial in determining Shakur’s future in the boxing world. Only time will tell if he can live up to the expectations set by himself and his promoters.