Promoter Eddie Hearn wants to sign Shakur Stevenson to a short contract to match him with William Zepeda, then move him up to 140 to take on IBF champion Liam Paro. Unfortunately, those aren't the kind of fights Shakur has in mind.
Hearn's Deal: Zepeda and Paro
He considers himself a top-level fighter who deserves to fight Gervonta Davis and Vasily Lomachenko. Hearn can't deliver those fights. He can only give to Shakur's boys like Zepeda and Liam Paro. This is Shakur's 'self-revealing' kind of deal.
It makes sense for Hearn to sign Shakur to a two-fight contract because he hasn't proven himself against the opposition since reaching 135. The last thing Hearn wants is to pay Shakur a bunch of money for a long-term deal and watch him crash and burn with repeated losses.
There's a good chance he gets beat against #1 ranked Zepeda (31-0, 27 KOs) and the other top guys, Gervonta Davis and Vasily Lomachenko. Hearn can avoid sticking with Shakur by signing him to a short contract and moving on after the loss.
Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) is a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Top Rank last weekend. They tried to re-sign him, but Shakur rejected their $15 million, 5-fight deal, which would have made him $3 million per fight.
It is believed that whoever signs Shakur will need to pay him more than $3 million per fight, which is a problem. Are you eligible?
Hearn's Code Talk
“I think he should fight William Zepeda. Do you want to sign a five-fight deal when that might prevent you from fighting something?” said Zweni on talkSport. “Maybe our talks are a 1, 2, or 3 fight deal. He needs that strength to be able to make those fights.”
One might argue that what Hearn is saying here is code language, 'Man, I don't want to sign Shakur to a long-term contract, and then stick with him after the beat.'
The real problem is Hearn doesn't have a Matchroom stable to fight Shakur Stevenson. Most of Hearn's fighters around Shakur's weight class are 140, and they are not stars in the US In addition, it is possible that others will beat Shakur and destroy his small sales.
Matchroom Contributions
Andy Cruz
Liam Paro
Subriel Matias
Regis Programs
Richardson Hitchins
Jack Catterall
Shakur may lose to Cruz and Paro. Catteral wrestles in a similar style to Shakur, so that could be tough as well. When Prograis, Matias and Hitchins catch Shakur with a hard shot, they take him out.
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