Trainer Robert Garcia understands why Shakur Stevenson took the easier option when he left Top Rank when his contract expired on July 6.
Stevenson will be a promoted free agent, but Robert feels he would have preferred an easier fight as he breaks out of the top ranks rather than a tough fight with WBC undefeated No. 2 Raymond Muratala. However, Shakur says Muratala was not offered by Top Rank, and rightly so.
Why would Top Rank give Shakur one of their better fighters when, as Robert points out, Shakur is leaving the company?
It's unclear what promotional agency Shakur will be moving to, but it's a hint given his recent praise for PBC. Shakur will be going there believing PBC will face Gervonta Davis, but that may never happen.
Top Rank is scheduled to pit WBC lightweight champion Shakur against recently defeated Artem Harutyunyan on ESPN's headline show on July 6 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
I missed a Muratara chance.
“I'm not saying anything bad about Shakur because this is his last fight. “This is his last fight with Top Rank. Who is the easiest opponent? I'm a free agent, He’s moving on to bigger things,” trainer Robert Garcia told ESNEWS about Shakur Stevenson’s last fight with Top Rank on July 6th.
“We were hoping for that fight in July,” Robert said of his desire to have fellow fighter Raymond Muratala as Shakur's July 6 opponent. “He's fighting a man.” [Artem Harutyunyan] it's just a loss [to Frank Martin]”
Even if Top Rank made Muratala an offer for Shakur, there is a good chance he would decline it if he already knew he was leaving the company. Why would Shakur want to fight a tough fight that would jeopardize his contract with another promotional company?
Maybe Shakur will run away from Muratala all night like he did against Edwin de los Santos and his stock will continue to fall.
“I was like, 'Why would he fight a guy who just lost?'” But he [Shakur] was also honest. He said they said, [Top Rank] I never challenged him to a fight. [with Muratalla]. I believe that too. I managed to make it to the top rank. I said, “Muratara is empty.'' That's his date. Muratala is available,” Robert said.
Understand Top Rank
“He said he didn't bring it up, but I also understand Top Rank. Why would they give him one of their fighters if this is his last fight with Shakur?” Will he give it? I understand Top Rank. I'm not mad at them. I'm mad that Shakur didn't participate in the match or bring up Muratala. Not that there is,” Robert said.
Top Rank knew what kind of fighter Shakur was and wanted to have an interesting fighter who could be made into a star fight someone who was leaving the company. Also, Muratala's popularity would be hurt if he fights Shakur and goes on an all-nighter like he did against de los Santos. The crowd will boo and it will be bad.
“Muratala hasn't had a chance to show what he's capable of. He can fight, and I think the better his opponent, the better he can perform,” said Robert.
