Boxer Gervonta Davis is facing a sporting hiatus to deal with his legal troubles. However, promoter Eddie Hearn wants the famous “Tank’s” next fight to be against Shakur Stevenson, although he is not sure if this fight can take place. Even his next fight against Lamont Roach Jr in August is in doubt as to whether it will take place.
Eddie Hearn has a Plan B where if Tank can’t face Stevenson, the promoter can choose between the winners of Andy Cruz against Raymond Muratalla or the winner of Abdullah Mason against Sam Noakes. Hearn still needs to re-sign Stevenson, as his two-fight contract with Matchroom expired with his fight last Saturday night against William Zepeda in Queens, New York.
Shakur Stevenson, a boxer to Eddie Hearn’s liking
For the promoter, it is clear that the trial contract is about to expire so he intends to draw up a new one, but now on a long-term basis. “He has had two fights. We will now talk about an extension with Matchroom. Hopefully we can continue that relationship. We would love to. We have to reach a proper agreement for the fight. I think we can achieve it”, said Eddie Hearn to iFL TV about his desire to renew Shakur Stevenson’s contract.
The petro-dollars are on Hearn’s side, who has the support of Turki Alalshikh, the Arab sheikh and boxing promoter, where he can arrange the fight between Gervonta Davis and Shakur. Only then will the fight be finalized. Tank Davis will want a similar salary to Turki’s, and Hearn could not afford it. The two fights Shakur had with Matchroom were against William Zepeda and Josh Padley. It is worth noting that Hearn did not make the most of the two-fight deal with Shakur because the fight with Floyd Schofield was canceled last February.
Shakur Stevenson aims to unify the lightweight division
Eddie Hearn is looking to unify the division. In fact, the category is evolving a little bit.
Sam Noakes will fight Abdullah Mason for the vacant WBO lightweight title. Andy Cruz will fight Muratalla for the IBF title. Opportunities will arise there. “He will be very difficult to beat,” Hearn said of Shakur. Perhaps Hearn is overdoing it with his praise of Stevenson. Last night’s fight between Stevenson and William Zepeda was one of the toughest of Stevenson’s career. Even running, he suffered because of Zepeda’s pressure.
It’s easy to think of that fight and assume that it will be much more difficult for Shakur if he decides to fight the heavyweights, Andy Cruz, Raymond Muratalla or Abdullah Mason. Cruz’s power, speed and technique would be a nightmare for Shakur. Tank Davis still has a rematch with Lamont Roach, scheduled for August 16. However, the fight has not been officially announced and it is questionable whether it will take place on that date. If it is delayed, Shakur will have to look for another option for his next fight. He can’t just wait for Davis.
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