Hearn Eyes Shakur Stevenson and Keyshawn Davis for Matchroom Roster
Eddie Hearn says he has spoken with both fighters and wants to sign them, though neither deal is at the contract stage yet.
Eddie Hearn is making a play for two of America's best young fighters.
In an interview with iFL TV, the Matchroom promoter confirmed he has spoken with WBO light welterweight champion Shakur Stevenson and former lightweight champion Keyshawn Davis about joining his stable. Per Boxing News 24, Hearn said he does not have anything at the contract stage with either fighter but would love to sign both.
Hearn said he is currently in talks with seven fighters total, two of whom are at the contract stage. He did not name the two who are closest to signing.
For Stevenson, Hearn's vision is a run at undisputed status at 140 pounds. He talked about matching him with champions Gary Antuanne Russell and Dalton Smith, and with whoever wins the vacant IBF title. Raymond Muratalla was also mentioned as a potential opponent.
Hearn was more blunt about Davis. He believes the 2020 Olympic silver medalist is wasting his career by fighting too infrequently and taking unnecessary rematches. Davis has fought twice in 2026, both at 140 pounds, against Nahir Albright and Jamaine Ortiz. Hearn told iFL TV to "get on the horse" and start fighting more often.
The timing makes sense for Matchroom. Anthony Joshua is nearing the end of his career, and the promotion's contract with Andy Cruz is reportedly ending. Hearn needs new American talent, and Stevenson and Davis would give him two of the most skilled fighters in the sport.
This would be a massive get for Matchroom if Hearn pulls it off. Shakur Stevenson is the best pure boxer at 140 pounds and one of the most technically gifted fighters in the sport. Keyshawn Davis has the talent to be a world champion if somebody actually puts him in the ring regularly.
Hearn is right about Davis. The guy is 26 years old, an Olympic medalist, and has fought twice this year. That is unacceptable for a fighter at his level. You cannot develop into a pay-per-view star fighting twice a year against opponents you have already beaten. Hearn's track record of keeping fighters active could be exactly what Davis needs.
The bigger question is whether Shakur leaves whatever arrangement he has now. He already holds a world title and does not need Matchroom to get big fights. But Hearn has DAZN, he has the connections to make the Russell and Smith fights happen, and he has a history of building fighters into stars. If Shakur wants undisputed at 140, Hearn might be the fastest path to it.
https://www.boxingnews24.com/2026/11/eddie-hearn-in-contract-talks-with-unnamed-world-champion/
