WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson is making headlines, but this time it's not for his boxing prowess. Stevenson's recent social media outburst, a cryptic tweet declaring “shiesty business, can’t trust nobody,” has sparked a wave of speculation about his relationship with his new promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing.

Fans are drawing connections between Stevenson's cryptic post and his recent hand injury. The injury forced him to cancel a highly anticipated title defense against Joe Cordina in Riyadh on October 12th, a fight that was expected to bring Stevenson millions. The injury also throws a wrench into Hearn's plans for Stevenson, who was scheduled to face William Zepeda and Gervonta Davis in two lucrative fights.

Hearn's Short-Term Strategy

Hearn's strategy with Stevenson is clear: he's looking for short-term gains. He signed Shakur to a two-fight contract, a decision that appears to be motivated by the potential risks involved in his upcoming fights. Hearn is acutely aware of the risk of Shakur losing to Zepeda or Tank Davis. If that happens, Hearn is off the hook; he won't be responsible for rebuilding Stevenson's career.

The Cost of Rebuilding

Rebuilding a fighter takes time, money, and patience. While Hearn was willing to invest in Anthony Joshua's rebuilding process after his back-to-back losses, the situation with Stevenson is different. Shakur is not a PPV draw; he's not a big ticket seller, even in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey. He is a high-risk, low-reward investment, and Hearn is aware of this. He wouldn't want to be stuck with a fighter who doesn't sell tickets or generate PPV buys, especially after he takes a beating.

Stevenson's Career at a Crossroads

Stevenson's hand injury further complicates his situation. He has a history of hand issues and has not looked impressive since moving up to 135 pounds. His lighter punching power was masked at 126 and 130 pounds, but it's a liability against the bigger hitters at 135. He is facing an uphill battle against opponents with superior punching power and aggression.

Must-Win Fights

Hearn's plan for Stevenson is clear: he needs to win his next two fights, against Zepeda and Davis. A loss against either opponent could signal the end of his time with Matchroom. Hearn has a history of abandoning fighters who fail to become stars for him. He made a half-hearted effort to turn Demetrius Andrade into a star, but when it didn't work, he didn't renew his contract.

Zepeda: A Dangerous Threat

Stevenson's fight against Zepeda is especially daunting. Zepeda is a pressure fighter who throws a high volume of punches and has significant power. He possesses the attributes that have historically given Stevenson trouble. Many experts predict a dominant victory for Zepeda, possibly a knockout, and if that happens, it could be the beginning of the end for Stevenson's time with Matchroom.

Shakur Stevenson's Future in the Balance

Shakur Stevenson is at a crossroads in his career. His cryptic tweet, his hand injury, and his upcoming fights against Zepeda and Tank Davis are all factors that could impact his future with Matchroom and his long-term success. The next few months will be crucial for Stevenson as he fights to prove his worth to Hearn and secure his place in the boxing world.

The Uncertain Future of Shakur Stevenson

The boxing world is watching intently to see how this unfolds. Will Shakur Stevenson overcome the odds and prove himself a true champion, or will his time with Matchroom be cut short after a single loss? The answer remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this is a crucial period in Shakur Stevenson's career.

It is important to note that there are different perspectives on Shakur Stevenson's future with Matchroom and the potential for a breakdown in their relationship. While some experts predict that Stevenson will be dumped after his first loss, others believe that Hearn might be more inclined to stay with Stevenson if he can secure a few big-money fights in the future. Ultimately, the success of their relationship will depend on Stevenson's performance in the ring and his ability to attract a large fanbase.