Shakur Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) has been so angry after learning of a decision by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), that he has even decided to put an end to his professional career. The 26-year-old Rio Olympic silver medalist has posted a message on social media in which he has shown his disenchantment, although without explaining the reasons for his decision.
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The Newark southpaw, currently the World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion, wrote: “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 they dreams but I ain’t fw this weak boxing game.”
But what’s behind this withdrawal? There is another message from Stevenson regarding a WBO decision that would explain this heat. The latter body announced that his vacant lightweight title will be contested by Emanuel Navarrete and Denys Berinchyk (they have 15 days to reach an agreement). They had already warned that ‘Sugar’ Stevenson was out of this race, but the American took advantage of the announcement to respond: “This is nauseating and disgusting. I will retire.”
But there is still more. Interestingly this WBO announcement also coincides with the confirmation that Vasily Lomachenko and George Kambosos will fight for the also vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) lightweight title. What does this mean? That Top Rank (Bob Arum), the same promotion that ‘Sugar’ works with, is involved in both lightweight title fights but they are betting on other fighters. Why? Because Shakur finishes his contract this year and while the future of this fighter is defined, they are thinking of promoting other active fighters.
Stevenson, one of the most skilled boxers in the world today, could renew his contract with Top Rank, but he assures that he is studying all the possibilities. His latest performance against Edwin de Los Santos certainly puts the handle of the frying pan in his promoter’s hand. But if we go by the qualities of this fighter, the promoter managed by Bob Arum should not let this talented young man escape.
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