Shakur Stevenson, on verge of free company, has one final dance with Prime 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 could be his remaining battle with Prime Rank, the comparisons have by no means been extra applicable.

Like Mayweather had accomplished 20 years earlier, Stevenson signed with Prime 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 battle of his present promotional deal, which takes place this Saturday towards Artem Harutyunyan at Prudential Heart in his hometown of Newark, N.J.

“I see loads 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 attempting to maintain speaking about it. It’s what it’s, however Saturday evening tune in. I’m gonna placed on an incredible 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. Prime Rank founder Bob Arum informed 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 urged that his lack of knockouts – simply two in his final seven fights – has hindered his progress as a boxing star.

Stevenson, for his half, informed 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 mainly attempting to say ‘Prime Rank or nothing’ and mainly attempting to say that I don’t have every other choices however Prime Rank,” Stevenson informed Akopyan.

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

“I respect the followers that actually listen and actually perceive the game of boxing. Those that don’t, f—okay ‘em. The identical method they are saying f—okay me I say f—okay them. I respect 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 battle 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 probably the greatest 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 greatest identified for his robust problem of Frank Martin in his final bout, an in depth however unanimous determination loss almost a 12 months in the past.

Stevenson hinted at the potential of a extra aggressive stance towards 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 lifeless set on having a extra crowd-pleasing battle with the intention to improve his worth on the free company market.

Picture by Mikey Williams/Prime Rank

“That will simply be placing strain on myself, like I mentioned I’m holding the strain off myself. My fundamental focus is to have enjoyable in there, have a superb time, placed on the kind of present that I need to placed on. Present the artwork of boxing, I believe that’s my fundamental purpose. Hit and don’t get hit, that’s what I need to see on Saturday evening,” mentioned Stevenson, who’s managed by James Prince.

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

“It is a enterprise. A lot of the fighters attempt to do one of the best factor for themselves when it comes to enterprise, the issues which can be gonna be essentially the most worthwhile and helpful 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 Prime Rank and see what they need to do. Then you definitely negotiate which method you’re gonna go. You don’t simply need to leap into something proper now at this level in his profession,” mentioned Moses.

“I’m certain he desires to do one of the best 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 in the course of 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 Every day Information, Rappler and The Guardian, and holds a Grasp’s Diploma from the Craig Newmark Graduate Faculty of Journalism. He may be reached at [email protected].