Number one contender Archie Sharp is hoping to turn the heat up on Shakur Stevenson with the help of his new promoter Probellum.
The 26-year-old super-featherweight has made no secret of his desire to take on US star Stevenson, who holds the WBO title and is being tipped to become a multi-weight champion.
But the unbeaten Sharp (21-0, 9Kos) is convinced he would be too smart for his American rival and he has enlisted the expertise of Probellum, a global promotion and media company, to secure a shot at Stevenson.
Sharp is No1 in the rankings so should be next in line for a shot at the WBO belt and wants to be at ringside for Stevenson’s unification clash with Oscar Valdez on April 30, in Las Vegas to bang the drum for a UK versus US showdown later this year.
“Stevenson has done nothing but disrespect me but it’s because I’m in his head and he knows he can’t avoid me for much longer,” said Archie Sharp, known as ‘Sharpshooter’.
“I’m ranked No1 by the WBO and with Probellum’s backing, I’ll get my shot at Stevenson later this year. I want to be at ringside for his next fight in Vegas and all he has to do is make sure he gets through Valdez and then we can get it on!
“I’m too clever for him and he knows it.”
Sharp, who hails from Kent in the UK, is the WBO Global super-featherweight champion and had been schedule to fight on Probellum’s inaugural show in Dubai, in December, before injury changed his plans.
But having returned to full fitness, the unbeaten switch-hitter is looking at a May return before finally getting his hands on Stevenson.
“Archie is the No1 ranked super-featherweight in the world with the WBO and he is ready for his shot at the title,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.
“And this is where we at Probellum step in and use all of our collective experience in boxing to make sure Archie gets the fight we all want to see, with Shakur Stevenson.
“What a fight that will be!”
Probellum stage their opening shows of the year on March 18 and 19 in Dubai, with both bills topped by world title fights.
The Probellum Evolution shows see Estelle Mossely defend her lightweight crown in a historic first for the Middle East before Sunny Edwards makes the second defence of his flyweight title against Muhammad Waseem the following night.
Probellum then head to Newcastle on Friday, March 25 for Probellum Throwdown where Lewis Ritson faces former world champion Dejan Zlaticanin and Olympic silver medallist Pat McCormack makes his pro debut.
Liverpool host Probellum’s third show of 2022, when Paul Butler challenges John Riel Casimero for his WBO world bantamweight title, topping a bill which also includes Peter McGrail, Rocky Fielding and Luke McCormack.
