Shakur Stevenson, on verge of free agency, has one last dance with Top Rank

NEWARK, N.J. — Being an American boxer popping out of the Olympics within the light-weight divisions, the comparisons to Floyd Mayweather Jr. have been inevitable for Shakur Stevenson. Heading into what is perhaps his last struggle with High Rank, the comparisons have by no means been extra applicable.

Like Mayweather had achieved 20 years earlier, Stevenson signed with High Rank after his silver medal end on the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, successful world titles in three completely different divisions. And, like Mayweather, Stevenson seems poised to check the free company market after the ultimate struggle of his present promotional deal, which takes place this Saturday in opposition to Artem Harutyunyan at Prudential Middle in his hometown of Newark, N.J.

“I see a number of similarities between me and Floyd,” mentioned WBC light-weight titleholder Stevenson (21-0, 10 knockouts) at Wednesday’s press convention, earlier than pivoting away from discuss of what he refers to as “this example.”

“I ain’t even making an attempt to maintain speaking about it. It’s what it’s, however Saturday evening tune in. I’m gonna placed on a tremendous present.”

It hasn’t been a lot of a secret that Stevenson, 27, has been upset with the best way his marketability has been introduced. High Rank founder Bob Arum advised boxing author Lance Pugmire that he inspired Stevenson to check the free company market, saying that he would welcome him again if he couldn’t make a greater deal. Arum instructed that his lack of knockouts – simply two in his final seven fights – has hindered his development as a boxing star.

Stevenson, for his half, advised reporter Manouk Akopyan that he felt his profession slowed as soon as he moved to 135 kilos, and that he ought to have been matched up with their light-weight stars George Kambosos Jr. or Vasiliy Lomachenko.

“Bob Arum is principally making an attempt to say ‘High Rank or nothing’ and principally making an attempt to say that I don’t have every other choices however High Rank,” Stevenson advised Akopyan.

Whereas there had been criticism about Stevenson’s security first strategy to the game since he first turned professional, these whispers turned deafening screams after his final bout, a 12-round waltz final November in opposition to Edwin De Los Santos the place each boxers mixed to land a complete of 105 punches. Stevenson permits that he may have achieved higher, however doesn’t consider that struggle ought to outline him.

“I admire the followers that basically listen and actually perceive the game of boxing. Those that don’t, f—okay ‘em. The identical manner they are saying f—okay me I say f—okay them. I admire those that come out and assist and perceive the artwork of boxing is hit and don’t get hit. They usually perceive that my final struggle wasn’t each evening. I don’t do that each evening. I’ve nights the place I crowd please, I beat individuals up, I keep within the pocket. I’m among the finest pocket fighters in boxing so it’s cool however they gotta stand on their phrases,” mentioned Stevenson.

Although Stevenson admits he desires of upper profile bouts with the likes of Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Lomachenko and even his no. 1 contender William Zepeda, he understands that he first has to get previous Harutyunyan (12-1, 7 KOs), a 33-year-old Germany-based Armenian finest identified for his powerful problem of Frank Martin in his final bout, a detailed however unanimous resolution loss practically a 12 months in the past.

Stevenson hinted at the potential for a extra aggressive stance in opposition to Harutyunyan, advising him on the dais to “run to your life,” to which Harutyunyan joked “so I ought to put on my trainers?,” a reference to the knock about Stevenson being a “runner.”

Nonetheless, he mentioned he isn’t useless set on having a extra crowd-pleasing struggle with a view to enhance his worth on the free company market.

Picture by Mikey Williams/High Rank

“That will simply be placing stress on myself, like I mentioned I’m retaining the stress off myself. My predominant focus is to have enjoyable in there, have an excellent time, placed on the kind of present that I wish to placed on. Present the artwork of boxing, I believe that’s my predominant aim. Hit and don’t get hit, that’s what I wish to see on Saturday evening,” mentioned Stevenson, who’s managed by James Prince.

Wali Moses, the grandfather/coach of Stevenson, says the struggle gives the prospect for Stevenson to upstage the efficiency by Martin, earlier than seeing what sort of gives are on the market as a free agent. Moses says it’s solely good enterprise to take action.

“This can be a enterprise. A lot of the fighters attempt to do the perfect factor for themselves when it comes to enterprise, the issues which are gonna be essentially the most worthwhile and useful to them of their careers. You throw your self on the market, you see what’s on the market and when you get again, you come to High Rank and see what they wish to do. Then you definitely negotiate which manner you’re gonna go. You don’t simply wish to soar into something proper now at this level in his profession,” mentioned Moses.

“I’m positive he needs to do the perfect factor for him and his household.”

If Stevenson is distracted by the winds of change in his life and profession, he didn’t present it throughout the pre-fight staredown as he clutched his championship belt and stared fiercely on the heavy underdog. Then, as the 2 exchanged phrases, Stevenson broke out into laughter earlier than Harutyunyan gave his shoulder a sniff.

“He’s speaking about ‘what cologne you bought on? That shit smells good,’” recalled Stevenson of the interplay.

For his sake, Stevenson hopes his efficiency on Saturday has him smelling as engaging to potential promotional companions.

Ryan Songalia has written for ESPN, the New York Day by day Information, Rappler and The Guardian, and holds a Grasp’s Diploma from the Craig Newmark Graduate College of Journalism. He may be reached at [email protected].