“Can’t help turn black fighter into superstar” – Shakur Stevenson turns down $15 million offer from Bob Arum to enter free agency

Shakur Stevenson makes a bold move to go as a free agent, after a rift with Bob Arum and Top Rank.

“Can’t help turn black fighter into superstar” – Shakur Stevenson turns down $15 million offer from Bob Arum to enter free agency

Shakur Stevenson turns down offer from Bob Arum (via Imago)

Shakur Stevenson defeated Artem Harutyunyan as anticipated on Saturday evening, effectively retaining his WBC lightweight title in his inaugural defense. The fight took place in front of 8,412 spectators at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, serving as Stevenson’s farewell bout under his long-standing promoter, Top Rank and Bob Arum.

Stevenson, the 27-year-old southpaw, didn’t achieve a significant victory that would have boosted his reputation as he entered free agency. However, he made his mark by openly criticizing IBF lightweight champion, Vasiliy Lomachenko. Afterward, he used his social media platform to share his thoughts about Bob Arum, the head of Top Rank.

It’s OVER take the L out of Lover.. They proved to the world numerous of times they can’t help a black fighter turn into a superstar now watch how much I go up without em.
Shakur Stevenson on X

The 27-year-old has unmistakably conveyed his dissatisfaction with Top Rank and Bob Arum. Stevenson mentioned that he rejected a five-fight, $15 million offer from Top Rank. The boxer believes his value has significantly grown since the first time he fought under the Top Rank banner. As such, he considered the deal offered to him as unworthy of his talent.

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The three-division world champion is unhappy with how Top Rank has treated him. Stevenson has wanted a big fight with either Gervonta Davis or Vasiliy Lomachenko for a long time. Last night, he confirmed that he won’t re-sign with Top Rank. Instead, he will become a free agent and aim for new heights in his career. However, the Top Rank’s boss thinks otherwise.

Bob Arum confident on Shakur Stevenson’s return to Top Rank

Bob Arum took a chance on Shakur Stevenson at the young age of 20, signing him to turn pro, and it’s been nothing but success since then. Stevenson has dominated the boxing scene, undefeated and undeterred, showcasing incredible ambition and growth throughout his impressive seven-year career.

Shakur Stevenson and Bob Arum
Shakur Stevenson and Bob Arum (via X)

However, Shakur Stevenson has decided to take a different path in his career. Following a falling out with the head of Top Rank, Stevenson has opted to keep his options open and not re-sign with the company. In a recent interview with Cigar Talk, Bob Arum seemed unfazed when questioned about the possibility of Eddie Hearn trying to secure a deal with Shakur Stevenson.

I talked to Eddie in England, he's not going to pay him. I don't think Al Haymon is looking for more fighters. Shakur is stuck between a rock and hard place. He is a very good fighter and we loved promoting him.
Bob Arum on Cigar Talk

Arum is confident that Stevenson will return to Top Rank, but the 27-year-old seems determined to pursue free agency. The implications of Shakur Stevenson’s decision on his career are yet to be discussed. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact his chances of getting the big opportunities he’s been waiting for, or if it will cause his career to stagnate.

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