Eddie Hearn Says Zuffa Overpaid Shakur Stevenson

“It’s crazy, but it’s suicide,” Hearn told Fight Hub TV. “You can play that game when you try and break into a market. We did it with DAZN. You have to do it because what you’re doing is you’re taking away legacy for the fighter in return for money. The only way you do that is by drastically overpaying them. They’re saying, basically, you can’t fight for belts, you can’t make history, but we’re going to give you a load of money.”

Hearn also suggested Shakur received an enormous financial package, hinting that the former multi-division champion landed an eight-figure deal after being asked whether the contract exceeded seven figures.

“I know what Shakur is getting. He’s crazy,” Hearn said. “More than eight figures. Listen, Shakur is an unbelievable fighter, but there’s a value to these guys. By the way, let him make it. I don’t begrudge Shakur Stevenson. I know what legacy means to Shakur, but he’s already got a lot of legacy. I would have liked to see him go on and pick up the other belts, but he’s obviously got an opportunity that was too good to turn down. Good luck to him. It’s a tough sport. Let him go and earn his money.”

Although Hearn questioned Zuffa’s spending strategy, he made it clear his criticism was directed at the business model rather than Stevenson. In his view, the unbeaten star simply accepted an offer that few fighters would refuse, even if it meant stepping away from the traditional pursuit of additional world titles and undisputed championships.