Boxing's light heavyweight landscape may have just experienced a seismic shift with WBC title holder Adonis Stevenson changing allegiances and signing a deal with notoriously powerful adviser Al Haymon.
Stevenson has become a star in the sport following an impressive four-fight run in 2013 that saw him stop all four opponents. He was on a collision course with fellow rising star Sergey Kovalev, but HBO rarely ever works with Haymon fighters, throwing the highly anticipated bout in jeopardy.
"Adonis' goals have not changed," Stevenson's promoter Yvon Michel said. "He wants three fights [in 2014], wants to unify the titles, be considered in the top five pound for pound before the end of the year and keep winning by spectacular knockout. I can also add making a lot of money. We are still moving forward in our negotiations. Al Haymon is certainly a great asset for Adonis and for us and his presence can only be positive."
Despite the promotional cold wars that have gripped boxing for years now, and likely prevented a Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao fight from occurring, Stevenson vs. Kovalev appears to be something both sides will still pursue.
"We haven't made any fights yet but whatever my promoter and Al say I should do, that's the way I'm going to go," Setevenson said. "I'll fight anybody. Al has a plan that will be good for me. I'm ready for anything. My job is to knock everybody out."
Before taking on Kovalev, Stevenson was reportedly close to inking a deal to headline a card in Montreal vs. Andrzej Fonfara of Poland. That plan appears to be a go as well. Despite the cross-promotional warfare, Haymon fighter Edwin Rodriguez was able to break the barrier and get in the ring with Andre Ward in 2013. Those negotiations had gotten deep before Rodriguez switched advisers, but it still means Haymon and HBO have some relationship.
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