Confirmed: Shakur Is a Free Agent

The founder and head of Top Rank, Bob Arum, confirmed that American WBC lightweight (up to 61.2 kg) champion Shakur Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) will become a free agent after his fight against Artem Harutyunyan (12-1, 7 KOs) on July 6 in Newark, USA.

"He is a free agent, like in basketball or the NFL. We had a candid conversation about him exploring the market. If you can get a better deal—by all means, take it. If not—come back, we love you and will be happy to set up fights for you. We will be glad to have him, no hard feelings. The free agent market is the free agent market, and we have both fulfilled our contractual obligations," Arum told Boxing Scene.

Ahead of the event, Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn was asked if he had spoken with Shakur about potential cooperation. "Not with Shakur, but with his people. They want to talk. We definitely want to engage in these negotiations. As for promotion, I don't think he is where he should be because what is happening with Bob Arum and Top Rank looks like they are giving up. I don't necessarily blame them because when a fighter comes out and says, 'I will leave after this fight,' you don't make him a priority, do you?

Shakur makes a lot of money. I joked with Bob, saying, "I'm not going to pay him the kind of money you're paying him,' and he told everyone. It was a joke, but there's some truth to it because the fight has to bring value. So, I might not pay Shakur that kind of money for a fight with someone you've never heard of, but I'll pay him that money and more for big fights that really attract attention. I think in terms of promotion, he needs to work on himself. He also needs to invest in it," Hearn said.