Did Martin Duck Stevenson
Top Rank's corridors buzzed with excitement as they, in collaboration with PBC, informed the WBC on a Tuesday that a agreement had been struck for the much-anticipated WBC vacant lightweight title bout, instantly shelving the scheduled purse bid that was to take place later that day.
Swiftly, Top Rank dispatched the contract to PBC the following day, anticipating a monumental showdown. However, to their bewilderment, news soon arrived that Martin had opted out of the clash. It was a surprising twist of fate, considering Martin was poised to earn a career-defining seven-figure paycheck, sources confirmed.
The spotlight was firmly placed on this clash, slated to headline a Top Rank Boxing on ESPN extravaganza scheduled for November 16 in Las Vegas. It was strategically positioned just days before the debut of the Formula 1 Grand Prix on the iconic Vegas Strip, promising to be a remarkable event.
As the dust settled, the WBC lightweight rankings revealed Edwin De Los Santos as the next viable contender. This came after the WBC decided to give the title of a "champion in recess" upon the undisputed lightweight champion, Devin Haney, who ventured into the 140-pound division to pursue the organization's junior welterweight title. Haney was scheduled to engage in battle with Regis Prograis on December 9 in the enchanting city of San Francisco.
In the wake of these developments, Shakur Stevenson found himself at a crossroads, with a potential showdown against the Dominican Republic's Edwin De Los Santos (16-1, 14 KOs) hanging in the balance, contingent on striking a deal.
Evan Korn, the spokesperson for Top Rank, voiced Stevenson's resolve, stating, "Shakur Stevenson is ready to face any adversary within his weight class. The fact that several fighters have shied away from the challenge is a testament to his brilliance. It's disheartening that fans will be denied such a highly anticipated matchup."
Stevenson, a gem in the Top Rank stable, and Martin, aligned with PBC with an affiliation to Showtime, had set the stage for a monumental showdown. PBC remained silent in response to inquiries via email, while Derrick James, ESPN's reigning Trainer of the Year and Martin's trainer, opted not to comment via text message.
Taking to Instagram, Stevenson, known for his candidness, declared, "The most avoided fighter in the world of boxing. Edwin, brace yourself, I'm tired of hearing my name in vain."
Stevenson, with a record of 20-0, with 10 knockouts, emerges as one of the swiftest-rising stars in the world. ESPN ranks the 26-year-old as the No. 9 pound-for-pound boxer (and No. 4 in the lightweight division). Hailing from Newark, New Jersey, he had already conquered titles at 126 and 130 pounds and was poised for a triumphant ascent in his third weight class.
In contrast, Martin, at 18-0, with 12 knockouts, was fresh off a razor-thin decision victory over Artem Harutyunyan, punctuated by a dramatic 12th-round knockdown, in their July showdown. Prior to that, the 28-year-old Martin had outpointed Michel Rivera.
Stevenson, celebrated for his impeccable southpaw style and hailed as one of the sport's premier defensive virtuosos, demonstrated his prowess with a commanding sixth-round stoppage of Shuichiro Yoshino in April during his lightweight debut. The boxing world now awaits the next chapter in Stevenson's meteoric rise.
Finesse Boxing
