The boxing world was abuzz with anticipation. Frank Martin and Shakur Stevenson had reportedly agreed to a showdown, with the vacant WBC lightweight title up for grabs. For Stevenson, this was the moment he had been waiting for. Martin was the kind of opponent he had been seeking: young, fast, strong, and well-known in the boxing community. The announcement of their bout had Stevenson grinning from ear to ear.
However, in a sudden twist, Martin had backed out of the agreed fight. The reasons for his withdrawal remained a mystery. Stevenson’s initial reaction was one of frustration, leading him to publicly criticize Martin. He later took a more humorous approach, sharing duck emojis on his social media, implying that Martin was avoiding the fight. But as time went on, Stevenson’s patience wore thin, especially after Martin claimed he hadn't ducked the fight.
Breaking the usual code of silence that surrounds negotiations, Stevenson decided to shed light on the behind-the-scenes discussions. He revealed that Martin’s demands were the primary reason for the bout’s cancellation. According to Stevenson, Martin insisted on a 50/50 split or he wouldn’t participate in the fight. This revelation added another layer to the drama, leaving fans wondering what could have been a thrilling contest between two top contenders in the lightweight division.
Image Credit: Showtime