Oscar De La Hoya is interested in adding free agent Shakur Stevenson to his Golden Boy stable, but he has some specific conditions in mind. De La Hoya is cautious about the risks and rewards of bringing Stevenson on board. He understands the importance of assessing Shakur's market appeal and ensuring he faces suitable opponents to maintain his success and popularity.
Stevenson is undeniably skilled, yet De La Hoya is mindful of potential challenges. If Stevenson were to compete against Golden Boy's top-ranked boxer William Zepeda and suffer a defeat, it could harm his market value significantly. Such an outcome would not only impact Stevenson but also pose obligations for Golden Boy under their contract terms. Drawing from his past experiences with promoting Floyd Mayweather Jr., De La Hoya stresses the significance of choosing opponents wisely to shape a fighter's career.
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The key to unlocking Stevenson's full potential lies in strategic matchmaking. De La Hoya recommends that Shakur should face opponents like Artem Harutyunyan whom he can confidently overcome. On the other hand, pitting him against power punchers or aggressive fighters could prove counterproductive. Stevenson's struggle to establish dominance in the 135 pound weight class, compared to his previous divisions, raises concerns. Facing off against tough opponents like Gervonta Davis, Floyd Schofield, and Abdullah Mason could present considerable challenges.
De La Hoya also emphasizes the significance of market appeal and fan connection. He notes that Stevenson's approach of fighting for himself rather than for the fans complicates assessing his market worth. Fan involvement plays a crucial role in a fighter's success since they are the ones purchasing tickets and pay-per-view events. Hence, ensuring Stevenson maintains a strong bond with his audience is vital for his market value.
In the end, De La Hoya is open to potentially signing Stevenson if it aligns with Golden Boy's interests. He proposes a cautious strategy, considering signing Stevenson for a single bout against Zepeda. This approach of testing the waters would evaluate Stevenson's skills and market potential without committing to a long-term contract. Success in this scenario would validate Stevenson's promise; failure would allow Golden Boy to reassess their position without significant long-term consequences.
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