Shakur Stevenson has been with Bob Arum’s Top Rank since the start of his professional career, a journey that has stretched from fighting low down on the undercard of future opponent Oscar Valdez to becoming one of the promotional outfit’s leading lights.
The former Olympic silver medalist’s contract with the American company is coming to an end in 2024, and he has let it be known in no uncertain terms that he is open for talks with other big players in the promotional game.
In an interview with Cigar Talk, Stevenson made his feelings clear when the host asked whether or not it was set in stone that he would re-sign with Arum’s company.
“Hell Nah! F*ck No! I’m considering every option possible. Let me make sure that be known.”
“Top Rank was good to me, I’ve got nothing bad to say about Top Rank, but once my contract is up I will be a free agent I’m willing to talk any and everybody – that wants to do great business.”
“I’m considering all options. Anybody that’s high up in boxing – anybody.”
A two weight world champion aged 26, most pundits believe Stevenson is one of the most talented fighters in the entire sport and that it’s only a matter of time before he is recognised as a pound for pound star.
He has an opportunity coming up to add a lightweight strap to those he has collected at the two weight classes below, when he takes on Edwin De Los Santos for the vacant WBC world title on November 16th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.