Shakur Stevenson Retiring from Boxing at Age 26 due to Frustration

Shakur Stevenson announces retirement from boxing due to WBO decision, sparking speculation about his future and potential contract renewal.

Shakur Stevenson, the current WBC lightweight champion, has shocked the boxing world by announcing his retirement from the sport. The 26-year-old Olympian expressed his frustration with the decision made by the WBO to vacate his lightweight title and allow Emanuel Navarrete and Denys Berinchyk to compete for it. Stevenson took to social media to express his disappointment, stating that he will be retiring from boxing.

The decision by the WBO has raised questions about Stevenson's future in the sport, as well as his relationship with his promoter, Top Rank. It has been speculated that Stevenson's contract with Top Rank is set to expire this year, and the promotion may be looking to focus on other fighters. However, Stevenson's undeniable talent and skill make him a valuable asset, and it remains to be seen whether he will renew his contract with Top Rank.

The timing of the WBO's decision is also notable, as it coincides with the announcement of another lightweight title fight between Vasily Lomachenko and George Kambosos for the vacant IBF title. Both fights involve Top Rank-promoted fighters, leading to speculation about the promotion's intentions and priorities in the lightweight division.

Stevenson's retirement announcement has left the boxing community in shock, as he is widely regarded as one of the most skilled boxers in the sport. His future in boxing remains uncertain, and it will be interesting to see how his relationship with Top Rank unfolds in the coming months. The decision to vacate his title has sparked controversy and raised questions about the future of one of boxing's brightest talents.