Arum Rules Out Shakur Stevenson vs. Michael Conlan in Future

[Ruthless-RKO]

When they first turned pro, Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum had predicted a future fight down the line between Olympians Shakur Stevenson and Michael Conlan.

But now Arum doubts that a fight between the two of them will actually take place in the future.

He expects Stevenson and Conlan to head off into separate directions.

Both boxers signed on with Top Rank in the aftermath of the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Conlan is heading into a rematch with Olympic rival Vladimir Nikitin at the Feile an Phobail on August 3rd.

Arum says Stevenson is heading in the direction of world title shot in the near future and is going to be moving up through several divisions.

On the other hand, Arum could see Conlan moving down to super bantamweight to gain a world title shot at 122-pounds.

“[Stevenson vs. Conlan] won’t happen because one is going in one direction weight-wise and the other is staying the same," Arum said to Irish Boxing.

“It seems to be that Shakur is much younger and bigger. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Shakur as a welterweight, he’s naturally much bigger than Mick. We’re dealing with babies, you don’t know how they’re going to grow.

“Mick is older, he’s more advanced [physically], and we generally believe that he’ll be staying at this weight. Shakur, no, maybe he picks up a title at 126lbs, but everything about him when you look at him suggests he’s going to be a 147 fighter. Shakur is a tremendous boxer. He’s not that exciting but he is like the second coming of Floyd Mayweather. He really is something special.

“Mick could be going to 122, that’s what they’re talking about. We have champions at 122 and 126, when he’s ready we’ll pull the chain – it may be the end of this year or certainly in the first three or four months of next year.”

http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Ar ... .es/a0tpve

[kbackup408]

I have seen Bob throw the "second coming of Mayweather" card out before

[SenorPipino]

For years and years, Arum usually claims that every star in his stable is maybe the greatest talent he has ever seen.

So calling someone "the second coming of Mayweather" is just routine hyperbole for the old man.

[Ruthless-RKO]

For years and years, Arum usually claims that every star in his stable is maybe the greatest talent he has ever seen.

So calling someone "the second coming of Mayweather" is just routine hyperbole for the old man.

And he said he’s not exciting.

[Best Coast]

For years and years, Arum usually claims that every star in his stable is maybe the greatest talent he has ever seen.

So calling someone "the second coming of Mayweather" is just routine hyperbole for the old man.

I wouldnt be surprised if old Shifty Bob wants both Stevenson & Conlan to remain unbeaten so he can match them in the future against his latest recruit Robleisy Ramirez who also intends to campaign at featherweight!!

I dont see the "size difference" Arum is using as an excuse. Both Shakur & Michael are identical in height (5'8") and only an inch apart in reach and NEITHER has any problem making 126. If Stevenson moves up to WW it wont be until he's 25 or so, which is over 3 years away.

BOTTOM LINE: I trust very little of what comes out of Bob Arum's mouth. One of his most famous quotes came when he was caught in a lie by a reporter and Arum said "Yesterday I was lying...TODAY I am telling the truth"!!

[SenorPipino]

They're 2 nice up and comers. But just prospects. Not even main eventers

Why match them today for relatively little revenue? Conlan and Shakur are still names only to the hard cores.

In a couple years maybe it's an anticipated high profile fight. Today, it's 100% under the radar.

[Ruthless-RKO]

They're 2 nice up and comers. But just prospects. Not even main eventers

Why match them today for relatively little revenue? Conlan and Shakur are still names only to the hard cores.

In a couple years maybe it's an anticipated high profile fight. Today, it's 100% under the radar.

Dubois vs. Gorman?

[SenorPipino]

Dubois vs. Gorman?

While Gorman might be touted as a prospect, I have a hunch that he's domestic level at best.

I don't see him as developing into a true world class contender.

Dubois, however, can be steered into a legit top 10 ranking within the next year to 18 months.

It might be as good a time as any to hold Dubois-Gorman. Wait on that fight to become internationally high profile and Gorman may very well be beaten in the meantime.

Conlan and Stevenson, however, have a realistic shot at fighting each other with a world title (maybe 2) on the line if it's held off for 24 months or so.

[KiwiRider]

Conlan puts bums on seats in the UK and quite a few states in the US.
It would be remiss having him suffer a loss against another in house fighter and risk that income stream for Arum.

[Jeff_lacy_ko]

Stevenson cant punch but conlan hasnt improved as a pro.

[Best Coast]

Conlan puts bums on seats in the UK and quite a few states in the US.
It would be remiss having him suffer a loss against another in house fighter and risk that income stream for Arum.

Good point!! Follow the money trail when trying to figure out Arum's motives!!

[Ruthless-RKO]