Shakur Stevenson is set to defend his WBC lightweight title against Artem Harutyunyan in a highly anticipated fight at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The event, scheduled for Saturday, will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN+ with the main card starting at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Stevenson, a former featherweight and junior lightweight champion, holds a record of 21-0 with 10 knockouts. He secured the WBC lightweight title by defeating Edwin De Los Santos in a fight that set a CompuBox record for the fewest punches landed in a 12-round bout. Despite the lackluster performance, Stevenson is eager to make his first title defense at 135 pounds in front of his hometown fans.
On the other side of the ring, Harutyunyan, with a record of 12-1 and 7 knockouts, is determined to seize the opportunity and shock Stevenson's supporters by claiming the WBC lightweight championship. Although he suffered his first career loss to Frank Martin in Las Vegas, Harutyunyan remains confident in his abilities and is prepared to give his all in this title bout.
Stevenson, known for his impressive boxing skills and defensive prowess, aims to showcase his talent and prove himself as one of the best in the sport. With a strategic approach focused on outclassing his opponent, Stevenson plans to elevate the fight to a new level and demonstrate his versatility inside the ring.
As the youngest fighter to win a title in a third division since Naoya Inoue, Stevenson has already made a mark in boxing history. His opponent, Harutyunyan, seeks to become the first German fighter to claim a major lightweight world title, adding an extra layer of significance to the upcoming showdown.
With both fighters bringing their unique strengths and aspirations to the ring, the Stevenson vs. Harutyunyan title fight promises to be a compelling clash of skill and determination. Boxing enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting evening of championship-level action as these two talented athletes vie for supremacy in the lightweight division.