Shakur Stevenson could leave Top Rank as the fighter enters the last fight of his contract. 

The WBC lightweight champion has suffered in his quest to make the most significant fights in his weight class. The only major fighter under the Top Rank banner he could face is Vasiliy Lomachenko. The three-division champion was in line to face Stevenson for the vacant WBC belt, only for the Ukrainian to take the rest of 2023 off. This was after he had lost a controversial unanimous decision to Devin Haney.

Stevenson instead faced Edwin De Los Santos. The boxer came through with a unanimous decision win to get the WBC belt, but the performance was heavily scrutinized. Stevenson was booed during the fight after fighting on the back foot for most of it.

Following the win, reports emerged that Stevenson injured his hand coming into the fight. He refused to make excuses in the aftermath, but the boxing community criticised him. That made his attempts at securing fights with Haney and Gervonta Davis much more difficult. Now, the fighter is ready to look elsewhere for the best deal. 

Stevenson On His Future

“I’m going to talk to everybody. I’m still in contract, but I’m just letting you know as far as the promoters and everybody that works in boxing. Just pay attention to what I just told y’all. The influence that I have on the next generation is insane. I’m going to talk with everybody. I’m going to explore all options. Top Rank is still an option. It’s not like they’re not an option. They done put me in a great position,” Stevenson said 

Calvin Ford has ruled out a Davis-Stevenson fight because the money involved does not make it feasible for him to fight. Meanwhile, Haney made a 75-25 percent offer to Shakur. That was turned down as he felt he deserved a higher purse split. But given that Haney moved up to beat Regis Prograis to get the WBC junior welterweight belt, Shakur has moved down the list of potential opponents.

Stevenson And PBC

Stevenson made it clear that he intended to face Gervonta Davis next if he had the chance. Both men are currently at 135 pounds, but making the fight will require both sides to be on the same page. If Stevenson were to leave Top Rank and sign with PBC, the fight could get made. Floyd Mayweather has expressed his desire to work with Shakur if the opportunity arises.

“The first time I ever saw him box, we were interested (in signing him to a pro contract). We thought he was a pro because he was boxing another up-and-coming top fighter, and he looked unbelievable. I see the next Floyd Mayweather. If anybody can break my records, this young kid here can do it. I truly believe in him” Mayweather said 

So, moving forward, Stevenson has plenty to consider. ‘Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com’