In a surprising turn of events, boxing champion Shakur Stevenson has decided to part ways with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom after just one bout under their two-fight contract. Stevenson will now collaborate with veteran promoter Lou DiBella for his upcoming title defense against William Zepeda in New York City on July 12th. The move raises questions about Stevenson's career trajectory and the financial implications behind this strategic shift.

Shakur Stevenson signed with Eddie Hearn in early 2024, but his association was brief. His only fight under the Matchroom banner came in February when he defeated Josh Padley by knockout in the ninth round in Riyadh. Plans for another match last October were derailed due to an injury during training. Now, Stevenson is taking a different path by aligning himself with Lou DiBella for his next championship bout. According to boxing journalist Dan Rafael, Stevenson opted for a "flat fee" deal with DiBella that offers significantly less than what he would have earned under a traditional promotional contract. Despite this, Stevenson stands to earn a substantial payday—estimated between $4 million and $7 million—for his clash with Zepeda.

This decision has sparked debate among fans, many of whom see it as ungrateful or even betraying Hearn's efforts to bolster Stevenson's profile. Hearn had arranged relatively favorable matchups, including the aforementioned victory over Padley instead of a more perilous encounter with Cuban powerhouse Jadier Herrera. By choosing independence from Matchroom, Stevenson avoids long-term commitments while securing lucrative opportunities in the short term.

However, Stevenson's choice may also reflect dissatisfaction with certain aspects of his partnership with Matchroom. A source close to the situation revealed that either party could opt out following the first fight, suggesting that Stevenson's departure was not entirely unexpected. For Hearn, losing Stevenson might not be catastrophic; some argue that if Stevenson falters against Zepeda, his value could plummet dramatically. Unlike Tevin Farmer, who managed to withstand Zepeda's aggressive style, Stevenson lacks comparable size and resilience. This matchup will test both his defensive skills and ability to withstand pressure.

As Stevenson prepares to face Zepeda, all eyes will be on whether he can deliver a convincing performance. With freedom comes risk, and Stevenson must prove his worth beyond the ring through strategic decisions like this one. Whether his alliance with DiBella proves fruitful remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the outcome of this fight will shape Stevenson's legacy moving forward.