Shakur Stevenson defended his WBC lightweight title with a dominant performance against Artem Harutyunyan at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Stevenson secured a one-sided unanimous decision win with judges scoring the fight 119-109, 118-100, 116-112 in his favor.
Throughout the fight, Stevenson showcased his technical skills, including superior hand speed, punching accuracy, and defensive prowess. While Stevenson landed multiple potshots and effective body punches, Harutyunyan struggled to mount a significant offense.
Despite Stevenson's control of the bout, he was unable to deliver a knockout blow, leading to some disappointment among spectators. The lack of excitement in the fight prompted some audience members to leave the venue before its conclusion.
Stevenson's performance raised questions about his marketability and style, with critics labeling him as boring. The boxer's post-fight comments suggested that Harutyunyan's defensive approach contributed to the fight's lack of action.
Following the bout, Stevenson expressed frustration with his promoter, Bob Arum, regarding potential matchups. The fight marked the end of Stevenson's contract with Top Rank, adding further intrigue to his future in the sport.
Reactions from boxing media varied, with some praising Stevenson's dominance while others criticized the lack of excitement in the contest. Concerns were also raised about Stevenson's interactions with his grandfather and trainer, Wali Moses, during the fight.
Overall, Stevenson's victory solidified his status as a top contender in the lightweight division, but questions remain about his ability to captivate audiences and secure high-profile fights in the future.
