Bob Arum Hopes to Continue Working with Shakur Stevenson
Top Rank’s CEO Bob Arum likes the idea of making a unification with WBC lightweight champion Shakur “Fearless” Stevenson (21-0, 10KO). Knowing that Fearless’ contract will be ending, Arum is willing to entertain working with the WBC champion regardless.
In 2023, Fearless made it known that his contract with Top Rank was coming to an end. In addition, he is open to testing the market to see what kind of offers will come his way. It’s no secret he wants to land a big fight and Arum is looking to make a unification with the WBC champion in hopes of continuing a working relationship.
While speaking with Fight Hub TV, the Hall of Fame promoter touched upon Stevenson’s contract ending after the fight on July 6.
“We’ve had a great run with Shakur, who’s an incredible fighter with incredible skills. But, our contract is over with the July 6 fight. Hopefully, we’ll maintain a relationship with Shakur and continue that . . . we’ll see how that all plays out.”
“After July 6, we’ll take a look and see whether we can do a unification fight.”
Bob Arum
SHOULD HE RESIGN?
Arum understands that it’s business and Stevenson being a free agent doesn’t make him an enemy.
“We hope to continue promoting his fights, but he is a free agent and that doesn’t mean he’s an enemy . . . sports is a business.”
Boxing fans shouldn’t be surprised if Stevenson does resign, considering there are potentially two big fights that await. There is the upcoming IBF vacant title fight featuring George Kambosos versus Vasyl Lomachenko winner on May 12.
Then there is the winner between WBO junior lightweight champion Emanuel Navarrete and Denys Berinchyk for the vacant WBO lightweight title on May 18. Fearless briefly retired after the WBO announced the fight.
With an opportunity to become undisputed possibly within reach, Stevenson could resign with Top Rank at the last moment.
