Stevenson Announces Retirement Out Of Anger To Be A Trainer
In the midst of the night, the boxing community was buzzing after WBC lightweight champion Shakur “Fearless” Stevenson (21-0, 10KO) announced his retirement. The New Jersey native made this decision out of anger over the WBO ordering Emanuel ” Vaquero” Navarrete (38-1-1, 31KO) to fight for the vacant lightweight title.
On January 1, Stevenson called out the WBO junior lightweight champion Vaquero hoping the WBO would allow them two to fight for the vacant lightweight title. The WBO’s announcement of Navarrete versus top contender Denys Berinchyk had a domino effect that has sent shockwaves through boxing.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT
Fearless, upset over the situation, took to social media to air out his frustration.
“I’m officially retiring from the sport of boxing. I’ll be in the gym forever perfecting my craft and helping the next generation become great and chase their dreams. But, I ain’t fw this weak boxing game.”
Shakur Stevenson
Stevenson has grown increasingly frustrated with not being able to get any big-name fighter in the ring. He’s called out guys like multi-divisional champions Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis, but nothing ever materialized.
He even called out fellow stablemate Vasyl Lomachenko, who’s scheduled to fight George Kambosos for the vacant IBF title. So it’s understandable why he’s ready to give up trying to make a big fight and walk away from the sport.
THE BUSINESS SIDE
Here is the reality of the situation that Fearless needs to understand. He has taken to social media declaring to fans that he will become a free agent this year. The multi-divisional champion indicated that once the upcoming contract with Top Rank expires, he plans on testing the market.
It wouldn’t be a smart business move for any top promotional company to accommodate him. The reality is Fearless will have to sign a two or three-fight deal in order to land a major unification.
Some boxing enthusiasts believe Stevenson is just blowing off some steam and will have a change of heart once he calms down. Boxing fans have seen this before with WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez.
