In recent news, respected boxing promoter, Bob Arum reveals Shakur Stevenson a free agent, providing potential opportunities for significant shifts in heavyweight boxing in the coming months. This bombshell comes with Arum also recognizing the toll age is taking on another great champion, admitting Lomachenko has slipped.
Shakur Stevenson, a 2016 Olympic silver medalist and one of the leading figures in the featherweight and super featherweight divisions, is said to be exploring free agency after his promotional contract with Top Rank expired. Stevenson, aged 24, holds a bright future in boxing circles with his impressive record of 16 wins, 8 KOs with no losses. As his next step remains unclear, potential suitors will no doubt be lining up for a chance to sign this remarkable talent.
Arum confirmed the situation regarding Stevenson in an interview with Barak Bess of DAZN, stating, “Shakur Stevenson is, yes, technically now a free agent,” but added, “there is an ongoing dialogue and business discussion with him as I understand it.” This could open up a world of possibilities for Stevenson, with prospective offers pouring in from the likes of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) and Matchroom Boxing.
In other Top Rank news, veteran boxer Vasiliy Lomachenko finds himself in a decidedly less appealing position, with his promoter admitting to his decline. Recognized as one of boxing’s modern greats, Lomachenko’s supposed fall from grace poses several questions regarding his future in the sport.
Arum did not mince words when addressing Lomachenko’s recent performances, “Yes, he’s slipped. He’s not the same,” he declared. Lomachenko lost a unanimous decision to Teofimo Lopez in October 2020, failing to recapture the form that once saw him hailed as arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
However, Lomachenko showed signs of his old self by bouncing back in his next fight, stopping Masayoshi Nakatani in the ninth round in June 2021. Despite this, many, Arum included, feel that the former three-weight world champion’s best days may be behind him.
The contrasting fortunes of Stevenson and Lomachenko shed light on the cyclical nature of boxing. The sport has a way of manifesting its brutal truth, with young prospects climbing the ranks as veterans sense the impending sunset of their careers.
Stevenson’s situation certainly attracts rumors, conjecture, and anticipation regarding his next move. A boxer of his ability, operating without a promotional contract, is a mouth-watering prospect for many promoters. The questions aren’t whether he will get offers, but from whom and which he will accept.
On the other hand, Lomachenko’s predicament serves as a stern reminder that not even the mighty can escape the ravages of time. Yet, with his significant skills and fighting spirit, many will still be willing to back ‘Loma’ in his twilight years.
One thing is sure, the future could hold many surprises as Shakur Stevenson explores free agency, potentially reshaping the boxing landscape. But, amidst the excitement and speculation, fans and pundits alike would do well to give tribute to boxing legends like Lomachenko. While he may have slipped, his legacy is forever etched in the annals of boxing history.
