In a recent development, Shakur Stevenson has turned down Terence Crawford's suggestion to have his much-anticipated bout with Gervonta Davis as part of the undercard for Crawford's September mega-clash against Canelo Alvarez. Stevenson, a former three-division world champion, has been vocal about facing Davis in what he considers the most significant boxing match currently available. Despite capturing the vacant WBC lightweight title earlier this year, Stevenson's efforts to persuade Davis through unification angles seem ineffective. Davis appears unconvinced by Stevenson’s allure, recognizing the potential financial gain but wary of the risks involved.

Stevenson insists that a unification fight between himself and Davis would attract unprecedented pay-per-view numbers. However, Stevenson lacks experience in selling PPV events, raising doubts about his marketability compared to Davis. Social media presence further complicates matters; Stevenson’s follower count pales in comparison to Ryan Garcia's massive following, suggesting limited PPV appeal. Crawford's attempt to bolster his own PPV sales with Stevenson-Davis may falter unless alternative strategies are considered.

Stevenson's Strategic Push for Unification

Shakur Stevenson has consistently emphasized the importance of unifying titles within the lightweight division. Following his victory over Edwin De Los Santos, Stevenson now holds the WBC lightweight championship and seeks to elevate his status further by challenging Davis for the WBA title. Although Stevenson believes this matchup represents the pinnacle of current boxing competition, Davis remains cautious. Recognizing Stevenson's motivation to secure a lucrative payday before facing tougher opponents, Davis maintains skepticism about engaging in such high-stakes battles prematurely.

Since transitioning to the lightweight category in 2023, Stevenson has relentlessly pursued a confrontation with Davis. His prior triumphs across multiple weight classes serve as a foundation for this ambition. Yet, despite these achievements, Stevenson struggles to convince Davis of the necessity for immediate engagement. Instead, Davis prioritizes strategic planning, focusing on rematches or other opportunities that promise greater rewards without unnecessary risks. This divergence in priorities highlights the complexities inherent in arranging such high-profile matches.

Social Media Influence and Market Dynamics

While Stevenson boasts an impressive social media following, it falls short when measured against industry leaders like Ryan Garcia. With only 308k followers on X, Stevenson cannot guarantee substantial PPV sales for a potential showdown with Davis. In contrast, Garcia commands millions of fans across platforms, underscoring the disparity in promotional power. Consequently, if Davis aims to participate in the "biggest" sporting event, aligning with Garcia might prove more advantageous than pursuing Stevenson.

Crawford’s proposition to include Stevenson versus Davis on his undercard faces significant hurdles due to market dynamics. Given Davis' reluctance to associate himself with lesser-selling matchups, Crawford must explore alternative options to enhance his PPV appeal. Keyshawn Davis, though less renowned than Shakur, could potentially fill this role depending on future developments. Ultimately, Stevenson’s declaration dismissing Crawford’s idea underscores the broader challenges in coordinating blockbuster fights amidst varying interests and commercial considerations.