Shakur Stevenson turns down $3M per fight to test free agency: Right decision or fumbled the bag?
Shakur Stevenson reportedly turned down a five-fight extension with Top Rank that would have guaranteed him $3 million per fight. The 27-year-old recently secured a unanimous decision victory over Artem Harutyunyan that saw his record improve to 22-0.
Stevenson was in control of the fight from the opening bell, sailing to victory over a sizeable underdog, and retaining the WBC lightweight title. The American outlanded Harutyunyan 170-74 overall by dictating the pace of the fight, while also staving off Harutyunyan's attacks with crisp counters.
However, it was the post-fight report about Stevenson turning down the five-fight extension with Top Rank that became the hotbed of debate. According to a report by ESPN Ringside's Mike Coppinger:
"Shakur Stevenson turned down a five-fight extension with Top Rank that would have guaranteed him $3 million per fight, sources tell ESPN. After another decision win, Stevenson is a free agent as he seeks the marquee bout that’s eluded him."
Check out the tweet below:
Stevenson's decision poses the question with contrasting outcomes — was it a bold move to take control of his career or a hasty decision that can be perceived as a risky gamble?
Shakur Stevenson turns down $3M: Exploring similar cases in the past
If history is proof, fighters on similar trajectories with perhaps similar rank and proficiency as Stevenson, have dared to walk the path the young boxer has chosen. This decision has paid dividends to several of them, including boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Although the context varies somewhat, in 2006, Mayweather decided to buy out his contract from Top Rank for $75,000 and opted to become a free agent. The decision has now become a textbook example of a boxer's determination to take a gamble and transform it into a success story.
Similarly, Canelo Alvarez boldly opted to sever ties with Golden Boy Promotions and DAZN, notwithstanding a lucrative contract. He opted for free agency and secured high-profile fights while steering his career in an upward trajectory. In a similar vein, several other fighters like Manny Pacquiao, Andre Ward, and Miguel Cotto have all guided their careers positively.
While the decision can be perceived as a gamble, it goes without saying that thoughtful deliberation from Stevenson preceded the decision. He said:
"I want to fight the best fighters in boxing. That's how you're going to get to see the best version of me when you put me in the ring with someone else that wants to fight back and compete." [h/t ESPN India]