Shakur Stevenson claims Bob Arum's 'Top Rank' can not "turn a black fighter into a superstar," vows breakout in status as free agent

Shakur Stevenson has revealed his contract with Bob Arum's Top Rank boxing promotion is over. The 27-year-old is now set to explore free agency after claiming that Top Rank were unable to make him a "superstar" due to him being a black fighter.

Stevenson made his final appearance for the boxing promotion last weekend when he faced Artem Harutyunyan at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The American successfully defended his WBC lightweight title for the first time, taking home the unanimous decision victory against Harutyunyan.

Following his win, Stevenson, who is now 22-0 as a professional, took to X to provide an update on his contract status. Responding to a fan on the social media platform, Stevenson confirmed he was now out of his contract with Top Rank and was looking forward to seeing how far he can progress his career whilst being a free agent.

Courtesy of talkSPORT boxing editor Michael Benson, Shakur Stevenson tweeted:

"It's OVER take the L out of Lover..They proved to the world numerous of times they can't help a black fighter turn to a super star. Now watch how much I go up without em💪🏾"

Check out the tweet here:

Stevenson is vying to become a household name in boxing and has regularly expressed an interest in facing some of the biggest stars in the sport. The 27-year-old therefore believes that his best opportunity to achieve those goals is without Top Rank's representation.

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Claressa Shields reacts to Shakur Stevenson's win over Artem Harutyunyan

Boxing and MMA star Claressa Shields recently provided her reaction to Shakur Stevenson's successful WBC lightweight title defence against Artem Harutyunyan last weekened.

Stevenson dominated the largely uneventful bout, going the distance against Harutyunyan for the unanimous decision victory. Whilst some fans and members of the boxing community have since expressed their disappointment about the lackluster bout, Shields has stated that Stevenson did what he had to do.

Speaking to Fight Today on YouTube, Shields, who was ringside for the fight, said:

"He [Shakur Stevenson] got on his wheels and walked the dude down even though he [Harutyunyan] got on his wheels too. He didn't knock him out but you know it's not always about the knockouts bro. I'm 14-0 with two knockouts and I'm proud of that and I'm the pound-for-pound number one female boxer in the world."

Check out Claressa Shields' reaction to Shaku Stevenson's win here (0:55):