Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed in the present day that he’s signed Shakur Stevenson to a two-fight deal. The primary match will likely be towards Joe Cordina on October twelfth, and the second will likely be towards William Zepeda in February.
Hearn says if Shakur (22-0, 10 KOs) is “triumphant” in his first two fights with Matchroom towards Cordina and Zepeda, he’ll look to make a mega-fight towards Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis in mid-2025 in the summertime. The Newark, New Jersey native Shakur could not get to that combat if will get crushed by Cordina (17-1, 9 KOs) or #1 WBC Zepeda.
The Quick-Time period Contract: Hearn’s Security Internet?
As for why he solely signed Shakur to a two-fight deal fairly than an extended one, Hearn stated that he would need him to have the liberty to resolve whether or not he’s having fun with being with Matchroom to re-sign or transfer on if he’s sad. Nevertheless, that is seemingly Hearn’s escape route to scrub his palms of Shakur if he loses or appears to be like unhealthy in his fights towards Cordina and Zepeda (31-0, 27 KOs).
The very last thing Hearn wants is to have a crushed Shakur, hanging round as a relentless reminder of his mistake in signing him to his Matchroom firm. Therefore, the two-fight contract. Shakur may have a brief two-fight lifespan with Hearn, so he can transfer on if he fails to excel towards Cordina and Zepeda.
Doubts About Stevenson’s Star Energy
If Hearn had watched Shakur’s combat towards Edwin De Los Santos final November, he’d know he’s not going to turn out to be a “world star” as he’s banging on about. He’ll not be a star within the U.S. Followers within the States need to be entertained, and Shakur doesn’t meet their requirements.
“I do know my boxing, and I understand how good this child is,” stated Eddie Hearn to the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel, hyping up Shakur Stevenson, his new signee. “He could also be unbeatable. I do know he’s a pound-for-pound star. There’s one thing about Shakur’s mentality that offers me confidence that he beats all people.
“I believe he’s been massively undersold. I believe he needs to be, not simply an American famous person, however a worldwide famous person. I believe he’s edgy; I believe he’s unbelievably proficient, and I’m going to do every part I can to offer him the platform and the promotional push that his capacity deserves.
“For Shakur, there’s this two-fight plan of Joe Cordina and if he’s triumphant into the [William] Zepeda combat. We’ll present him throughout that interval our price. We’ll work collectively intently, after which we’ll transfer ahead towards Gervonta Davis and all people.
“I hope these two fights result in Shakur Stevenson’s remainder of his profession with Matchroom. It will be an honor. So many promotional firms need to lock you into a 3, 4, five-year deal,” stated Hearn when requested why he signed Shakur to only a two-fight deal.
“I perceive that multi-year deal whenever you’re beginning off within the recreation. I’m assured that after you’re employed with me, you’ll by no means need to work with anybody else, and in case you don’t benefit from the expertise, no drawback. You’ll be able to go elsewhere,” stated Hearn, giving his cause for giving Shakur a brief two-fight deal.
