Shakur Stevenson to Defend Title Against Artem Harutyunyan on July 6th in Newark
It’s official – WBO lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) will be defending his title against #8 ranked contender Artem Harutyunyan (12-1, 7 KOs) on July 6th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The highly anticipated fight will be broadcasted on ESPN, and fans are eagerly awaiting the clash between these two talented fighters.
Shakur’s Risky Move
Many boxing fans were disappointed with Shakur’s choice of opponent, as he had previously expressed his desire to face a high-level contender. However, instead of facing the dangerous #2 ranked Raymond Muratalla, Shakur opted for Harutyunyan, who is coming off a recent loss. Some have even accused Shakur of being “allergic to risk,” a label that he has been trying to shake off.
But despite the criticism, Shakur remains confident in his abilities and is determined to prove his doubters wrong. He has been vocal about wanting to face the best in the lightweight division, and this fight is just another step towards achieving that goal.
Harutyunyan’s Chance for Redemption
For Harutyunyan, this fight is an opportunity for redemption. In his last bout, he gave Frank Martin a tough fight, dominating the first half of the match before ultimately losing by decision. But with his technical skills and determination, Harutyunyan has the potential to cause an upset and prove that he is a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division.
However, his biggest challenge will be his lack of cardio, which has been a weakness in his previous fights. If he can improve his conditioning, he could have a real chance at defeating Shakur and making a name for himself in the sport.
Shakur’s Future Plans
After this fight, Shakur’s contract with Top Rank will come to an end, and he is expected to explore other promotional options. But before he moves on, he has his sights set on facing some of the biggest names in the lightweight division, including Gervonta Davis, Emanuel Navarrete, Vasily Lomachenko, and William Zepeda.
However, it remains to be seen if signing with a different promoter will help Shakur secure these fights. Despite his desire to face top-level opponents, he has struggled to make these matchups happen, with many fighters showing little interest in facing him.
Arum’s Change of Heart?
Interestingly, Shakur’s fighting style has been a topic of discussion, with some criticizing his “boring” and “safety-first” approach. This is a stark contrast to Top Rank promoter Bob Arum’s previous stance on non-entertaining fighters, as he used to heavily criticize two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux for his style of fighting.
But with Shakur, it seems that Arum has become more patient and understanding, perhaps due to the young fighter’s potential and marketability. However, if Top Rank does decide to re-sign Shakur, they will have to figure out how to promote him and make him a star in the sport.
What’s Next for Shakur Stevenson?
As the date for the fight draws near, fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown between Shakur Stevenson and Artem Harutyunyan. Will Shakur successfully defend his title and continue his undefeated streak? Or will Harutyunyan pull off an upset and shock the boxing world?
One thing is for sure – this fight is not to be missed. Tune in on July 6th to witness the action-packed battle between these two talented fighters. Only time will tell what the future holds for Shakur Stevenson, but one thing is certain – he is determined to make a name for himself in the sport of boxing.
