Top Rank release Steve Luevano

Former featherweight titlist Steve Luevano (37-2-1, 15 KOs) will be released by Top Rank, the only promoter he's ever been with, manager Dunkin told ESPN.com. Top Rank signed him out of the amateurs in 2000 and guided him to a featherweight title in 2007. He made five defenses before Juan Manuel Lopez stopped him in the seventh round in January. "He's being released. They sent me the paperwork," Dunkin said. "Steven didn't ask for a release, but (Top Rank's) Carl Moretti told me they didn't have anything for him, there wasn't a place for him and it didn't make any sense to keep him." Dunkin was not happy with the situation, adding that, "I was told when he fought 'Juanma' that they were going to take care of him no matter what happened, and not turn their back on him, but you know how that goes. We're big boys. We understand. It's just business."

http://espn.go.com/sports/boxing/notebook/_/id/5364837/bob-arum-letting-juan-manuel-lopez-yuriorkis-gamboa-marinate

That stinks. He has had a good career, may have another run towards a belt in him, seems like a good guy, and gets the most out of his abilities.
Gonna be difficult going without a big promoter behind him.

It's a bad move by Top Rank, it's not like the Featherweight division is a lacking depth it's one of the hottest in boxing right now. Hopefully Golden Boy snap him up.

Thats bad, well hopefully DiBella or GBP picks him up

This is bullshit. And I know boxing is business. But your word is your word. If they said they'd keep him on, that's their word.

I hate that they can get away with shit like this because there's nowhere else for fighters to go (except other similar promoters). The guy was a champion, let him fight out his career and see what happens. If you can't find a fight or a way to promote an ex-champion either you're terrible at your job or there's something wrong with the industry.

It's even more disgusting considering Luevano has only lost twice, they could have easily given him a Mario Santiago rematch or contacted Chris John for a fight.

it really doesn't make sense. He is still legitimately ranked in the top 10 by ring. IN the day and age where Top Rank and Golden Boy most often keep things in house (Top rank fighter vs Top rank fighter and golden boy fighter vs golden boy fighter), then why get rid of a legit viable guy.


If you can't find something big for him, keep him busy, and then use him as a stepping stone for an up and coming guy in your stable of fighters.

Issues with his manager or $ demands the only thing I can think of