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

NEWARK, NJ — Being an American boxer coming out of the Olympics in the lightweight division, being compared to Floyd Mayweather Jr. it was inevitable for Shakur Stevenson. Heading into what could be his final fight with Top Rank, the comparison has never been more appropriate.

As Mayweather had done 20 years earlier, Stevenson signed with Top Rank after finishing with a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, winning world titles in three different divisions. And, like Mayweather, Stevenson appears ready to explore the free market after the final fight of his current promotional deal, which takes place Saturday against Artem Harutyunyan at the Prudential Center in his hometown of Newark, NJ.

“I see a lot of similarities between me and Floyd,” said WBC lightweight title holder Stevenson (21-0, 10 knockouts) at Wednesday's press conference, before leaving the speech about what he called “this situation.”

“I don't even try to keep talking about it. Of course, but tune in on Saturday night. I will put on an amazing show.”

It's no secret that Stevenson, 27, is upset with the way his marketing is being presented. Top Rank founder Bob Arum told boxing writer Lance Pugmire that he encouraged Stevenson to test the free agent market, saying he would accept him if he couldn't work out a better deal. Arum suggested that his lack of wins – just two of his last seven fights – had hampered his growth as a boxing star.

Stevenson, on the other hand, told reporter Manouk Akopyan that he felt that his career went down when he moved up to 135 kilograms, and that he should have been paired with their lightweight stars George Kambosos Jr. or Vasiliy Lomachenko.

“Bob Arum is trying to say 'Top Rank or nothing' and he's trying to say I have no other options but Top Rank,” Stevenson told Akopyan.

Although there have been criticisms of Stevenson's defensive approach to the sport since becoming champion, those whispers fell on deaf ears after his last fight, a 12-round waltz in November last year against Edwin De Los Santos in which both boxers came together to score points. 105 punches. Stevenson admits he could have done better, but doesn't believe fighting should define him.

“I thank the fans who listen carefully and who really understand the game of boxing. Those who don't, f—k 'em. In the same way that they say f—k, I say f—k to them. I appreciate those who come out to support and understand that the art of boxing is beaten and not beaten. And they understand that my last fight was not every night. I don't do that every night. I have nights where I'm full of begging, hitting people, staying in the pocket. “I'm one of the best pocket fighters in boxing so it's cool but they have to stand by their words,” said Stevenson.

Although Stevenson admits that he dreams of higher fights like Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Lomachenko or even his number. 1 William Zepeda, understands that he must first get past Harutyunyan (12-1, 7 KOs), a 33-year-old Armenian from Germany who is best known for his tough challenge of Frank Martin in his last fight. but losing a unanimous decision almost a year ago.

Stevenson hinted at the possibility of a more aggressive stance against Harutyunyan, advising him on the field to “run for your life,” to which Harutyunyan joked “so I have to wear my running shoes? “Runner.”

However, he said he is not willing to have a crowd-pleasing fight to increase his value on the free market.

Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Position

“That will be putting pressure on myself as I said I am holding it. My main goal is to have fun there, have a good time, put on the kind of show I want to do. Show the art of boxing, I think that's my main goal. Hit and miss, that's what I want to see on Saturday night,” said James Prince's Stevenson.

Wali Moses, Stevenson's grandfather/coach, says the fight gives Stevenson a chance to improve on Martin's performance, before seeing what kind of offer is out there as a free agent. Moses says it's only smart business to do so.

“This is a business. Most fighters try to do the best for themselves in terms of business, the things that will be most profitable and profitable for them in their careers. You throw yourself out there, see what's out there and when you come back, you go to Top Rank and see what they want to do. Then discuss where you will go. “You just don't want to jump into anything right now at this point in his career,” Moses said.

“I'm sure he wants to do what's best for him and his family.”

If Stevenson was troubled by the winds of change in his life and career, he didn't show it in the lead-up to the fight as he clutched his championship belt and stared hard at the heavy underdog. Then, as the two exchanged words, Stevenson began to laugh before Harutyunyan gave his shoulder a sniff.

“You talk about 'what cologne are you wearing?' That shit smells good,'” Stevenson recalled of the collaboration.

For his own sake, Stevenson hopes his performance on Saturday made him smell attractive to potential advertising partners.

Ryan Songalia has written for ESPN, the New York Daily News, Rappler and The Guardian, and holds a Master's degree from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism. They can be reached at [email protected].