Shakur Stevenson signs with James Prince, Andre Ward

Standout American Olympian Shakur Stevenson has begun forming his team to make his transition into the professional ranks. While he has yet to sign a promotional deal at this point, RingTV reports that he’s just signed a managerial deal with James Prince, light heavyweight champion Andre Ward, and attorney Josh Dubin.

Ward, whom is reportedly close to Stevenson, is also guided in his ongoing career by both Prince and Dubin, so it sounds like Shakur is looking to capture some team synergy.

“I know I have a great team behind me with J. Prince as the head of it, working with Josh Dubin and Andre Ward,” Stevenson said in a prepared statement. He is the most accomplished U.S. male boxer since Ward won gold in 2004. “I know that these guys can get me where I want to be and I feel very comfortable with them behind me,” he went on. “I’m so focused and I promise to put 110 percent into making sure we become great as a team and I plan on becoming one of the best boxers on the planet — which is my main goal. Now, it’s on me to prove to the world that I can be just as great as the legends before me and trust me, I’m up to the task!”

James Prince was perhaps best known as the CEO of Houston-based Rap-A-Lot Records before making his foray into the boxing business years ago. He even used to manage the career of Floyd Mayweather Jr., while still notably handling Andre Ward as a client.

Stevenson has been a highly-touted prospect who came close to being the first American boxer to win an Olympic gold since Ward in 2004. He ultimately came up just short, though, capturing the silver medal while losing to experienced Cuban fighter in Robeisy Ramirez over the summer. Stevenson still remains a hot commodity however, with Mayweather Promotions, Top Rank, Golden Boy, and Roc Nation Sports all expressing interest in signing Stevenson.

“It is an honor and a privilege to represent this young man,” Prince said in a statement. “Andre, Josh and I know we have the next superstar in the sport. Shakur is not only a gifted fighter, but someone that has the ability to be an icon. Our first goal is to sign him with the right promoter. Then, we will be with him every step of the journey toward greatness.”

Stevenson is expected to make his professional debut in the coming year while campaigning at featherweight.