What did Oscar De La Hoya say about promoting Shakur Stevenson?
De La Hoya believes the only way for Stevenson to fight William Zepeda is to sign with Golden Boy Promotions.
Shakur Stevenson is a free agent without a promoter after his contract with Top Rank ended after defeating Artem Harutyunyan by unanimous decision to successfully defend the World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight title.
The 27-year-old talent previously stated his main options are Floyd Mayweather’s Mayweather Promotions and Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. However, Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions seek an opportunity to sign Stevenson.
De La Hoya revealed to BoxingScene.com that he had a video call with Stevenson and believes he has a chance to sign him. Mainly, because he believes that if Shakur wants to fight William Zepeda, he will likely have to join Golden Boy Promotions.
De La Hoya speaks about negotiations with Stevenson
“It all depends on what I want to offer for [Stevenson]. It all depends on what fighters we have on our roster. It all depends on their vision”, the former world champion said.
“I promoted [Floyd] Mayweather for 16 fights. So, there’s a blueprint there. [Stevenson] needs opponents. He needs the right names. He needs William Zepeda”, he added.
Zepeda is coming off a knockout win over Giovanni Cabrera on July 6. According to BoxRec, the Mexican boxer is the third-best lightweight fighter, only behind Gervonta Davis and Stevenson.
Golden Boy Promotions resigns KO artist Vergil Ortiz
In August, Vergil Ortiz will fight for the interim WBC super welterweight title against Serhii Bohachuk and Golden Boy Promotions has secured him a multi-year contract. The American fighter is expected to win at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino, in Las Vegas.
Ortiz has won all of his 21 fights by knockout. The most recent was against Thomas Dulorme in April and ended in the first round after the Puerto Rican couldn’t get up after a hard shot to the body.
Like Stevenson, Ortiz is regarded as one of the biggest rising stars, not only in his division but in boxing.
“Me resigning with Golden Boy is a show of loyalty. It shows the confidence we both have in each other that we will both bring each other success and to the top”, Ortiz said.