The party is over, however, as the celebrants are not in the mood to part ways yet. Shakur Stevenson and Frank Martin will not face each other. Their much-anticipated bout came amid another esteemed line-up’s collapse and finally met the same fate. While the next-in-line contender has come up in substitution, it seems the slanging match between Stevenson and Martin is yet to get over.
The aftereffects of the entire event, as could be expected, spilled over into the social media arena. Fans came across a deleted post supposedly from Stevenson, where he seems to be taking a dig at Martin for seeking an equal split. Later, an update on Edwin De Los Santos joining to fight ‘Sugar’ turned up. However, the bickering between Stevenson and Martin doesn’t seem to be over. Michael Benson tweeted early today that both are still discussing the caved-in fight.
Shakur Stevenson vs. Frank Martin: War of Words
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Seemingly addressing the fans, Frank Martin said he wanted the bout to happen as much as they all craved it. More so, he never asked for a 50/50 split. Shakur Stevenson, in turn, appears to be replying. Telling Martin not to spread lies, he said that he had explained all the details to ‘The Ghost’ over a direct message, but still, he came back and sought half of the money.
Shakur Stevenson and Frank Martin exchanging words over the collapse of their fight… pic.twitter.com/pgdCVQ5nBI
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) September 13, 2023
To understand, one might have to go back a little to when the reigning undisputed champion, Devin Haney, was done with the second title defense in May. Just a month before, Shakur Stevenson had joined the division. So Haney expressed an interest in moving up to Light Welterweight. However, in parallel, talks of a fight with Stevenson also began. But before anyone could understand, an online spat kicked off between the two. The bone of contention was a lopsided split reportedly favoring Haney. ‘Sugar’ rejected the offer.
A battle over before it started
Later, Haney clarified his intentions of taking on WBC Light Welterweight champion Regis Prograis. As a result, the body stepped in and, after announcing him a ‘champion in recess,’ instructed Shakur Stevenson and Frank Martin to prepare for the battle to claim the now-vacant title.
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As it happened, both parties came over and agreed to a fight in either November or December. However, soon came the news that the battle had been called off. While the fans and followers were still reconciling themselves, there came an update that Frank Martin had reportedly pulled out as he was unhappy with the terms, especially the split. He could have taken home roughly $1 million from the bout.
After becoming a champion in the featherweight and the Super Featherweight divisions, Shakur Stevenson set his eyes on the third division, where he could become a champion again. He fought his first bout at 140 pounds against Shuichiro Yoshino and won effortlessly via a technical knockout. Since then, Terence Crawford‘s protege has been waiting for a chance to prove that he is a serious deal.
Read More: Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz Reveals Real Reason Why Shakur Stevenson Fight Never Came to Fruition
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What is your take on the developments that surround the Stevenson-Martin fight collapse? Please share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.
Watch This Story: Everything You Need to Know About Ongoing Devin Haney vs. Shakur Stevenson Negotiations