Shakur Stevenson, the talented lightweight titleholder, is setting his sights on exploring new horizons as he hints at entering the free agency market in 2024. The Newark, New Jersey native, who has carved a niche for himself as a three-division titleholder, teased the possibility of becoming a promotional free agent through a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account over the weekend. Having fought under the banner of Top Rank Inc. since turning professional post his 2016 Olympic campaign, Stevenson’s potential move could shake up the boxing promotional landscape.
With a career meticulously built by Top Rank, founded by the legendary Bob Arum, Stevenson has expressed his openness to weigh “every option possible” as his contract nears its conclusion. This stance has ignited speculation about his next move, with major players like Premier Boxing Champion, led by Al Haymon, and Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing seen as potential suitors. Stevenson’s desire to square off against Gervonta Davis, a fight that could easily headline pay-per-view, adds intrigue to his impending free agency.
Saudi Arabia also emerges as a fascinating option for Stevenson, aligning with the trend of hosting high-profile bouts in the region. Bob Arum has even floated the idea of a Stevenson-Davis showdown in the oil-rich country, hinting at lucrative financial incentives that could satisfy all parties involved.
Despite coming off a lackluster performance in his last outing—a decision victory over Edwin De Los Santos for the vacant WBC 135-pound title—Stevenson’s market value remains high. His admission of a “bad performance” in a fight marked by a lack of engagement has not dampened the anticipation surrounding his next move.
As Stevenson hints at testing the waters of free agency, the boxing world watches closely, eager to see where one of its brightest stars will land. With potential blockbuster matchups on the horizon, Stevenson’s decision could not only shape his career trajectory but also influence the balance of power among boxing's promotional giants.
Image Credit: Mikey Williams