Teofimo Lopez, the WBO light welterweight champion, recently shed light on Shakur Stevenson's surprising decision to retire from boxing. According to Lopez, Stevenson’s choice was significantly influenced by his reluctance to accept a pay cut from Top Rank following a performance against Edwin De Los Santos that many found lacking. The fight, which took place last November at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, not only disappointed in ticket sales but also saw Stevenson criticized by fans for his evasive tactics in the ring.
Lopez suggests that the financial implications of the bout's underperformance were a pivotal factor in Stevenson's retirement decision. “After that performance, he pulled off and that stunt, Top Rank said, ‘We’re not going to pay you what we had last time,’ and he said, ‘F*** this, I’m the best, and I’m going to retire with it,” Lopez explained, highlighting the three-division world champion’s (21-0, 10 KOs) refusal to compromise on his earnings.
Bob Arum, the head of Top Rank, disclosed that the WBC had reached out to Stevenson to inquire about his retirement plans, given the potential impact on his lightweight title status. Stevenson, however, denied plans to retire, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding his exit from the sport.
Lopez extends his best wishes to Stevenson but emphasizes the necessity of accepting financial “cuts” as part of the sport’s challenges. He points out the critical juncture where boxers transition from being built up by promoters to facing the realities of elite-level competition. According to Lopez, success at this stage requires more than just talent; it demands a willingness to engage in riskier fights and a more aggressive approach in the ring.
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