“Yeah,” said Dana during the Zuffa Boxing 09 post-event press conference.
Pressed for the opponent for Shakur, Dana kept his cards close to the vest.
“If I did, I would have announced it already.”
White also commented on one of the biggest names linked to Stevenson.
“I love Tank Davis. I’m actually a fan, and we’ve talked to them.”
White stopped short of suggesting that fight is close, making it clear only that communication has taken place.
The opponent is the difficult part. Devin Haney remains on course for a WBO title fight with Keyshawn Davis if the mandatory moves forward, while Ryan Garcia is committed to his September clash with Conor Benn. Teofimo Lopez also has business to finish against Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero.
Stevenson has previously mentioned Gervonta Davis, Gary Antuanne Russell and Lamont Roach Jr. as opponents he would welcome. The problem for Zuffa is that only Davis has the type of commercial appeal that fits a reported eight-figure investment in one of its marquee signings. Russell would interest hardcore boxing fans, while Roach is a respected champion, but neither matchup carries the same mainstream appeal.
That leaves White facing one of his toughest matchmaking decisions since launching Zuffa Boxing. A fight against a fringe contender would be difficult to sell. White has spent months talking about making the sport’s premier fights. Matching Shakur with an opponent outside the elite level would leave fans asking whether anything has really changed.
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