Shakur Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) will make the inaugural defense of his WBC lightweight world championship against 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Artem Harutyunyan (12-1, 7 KOs) on ESPN July 6, at Prudential Center in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey.
Shakur Stevenson: “It feels good to be going back home to Newark, where they appreciate a young legend, and to make my first title defense at 135. On July 6, Down Goes Artem!”
Artem Harutyunyan: “I respect Shakur Stevenson as a champion, but I’m coming to shock his hometown fans and win the WBC lightweight championship. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I will take full advantage of it.”
In the co-feature, O’Shaquie Foster (22-2, 12 KOs) will defend his WBC super featherweight world title against Olympic gold medalist and three-time world title challenger Robson Conceição (18-2-1, 9 KOs).
O’Shaquie Foster: “I’m excited to be back for my third title defense. Conceição is a great opponent who has been in the ring with a lot of top fighters, but come July 6, we will be ready. I will keep proving that I’m one of the best fighters in the world.”
Robson Conceição: “I’m not going to let this opportunity slip away. I can guarantee that I’ll give my best. I’ll leave everything in the ring. Blood, sweat, and dedication—everything will be invested in this title bout.”
In the 10-round lightweight televised opener, Keyshawn Davis (10-0, 7 KOs) will take on Miguel Madueño (31-2, 28 KOs).
Undercard action — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ — includes the return of 20-year-old lightweight prodigy Abdullah Mason (13-0, 11 KOs) against Luis Lebron (20-5-1, 13 KOs) and unbeaten 6’7 heavyweight prospect Damian “Polish Hussar” Knyba (13-0, 7 KOs) versus Richard Lartey (16-6, 13 KOs).
A night of midget men with no punching power at all. How exciting!!!!
I’m looking forward to seeing Abdullah Mason fight again.
Fighting with taxi drivers???
Great to see Shakur back in action.
Don’t like Stevenson fighting someone who lost their last fight, even though Harutyunyan did give Frank Martin a really good fight. I do, however, like that Conceicao is getting another shot (surely his last) after the Navarrete fight which he did so good in.
Three decent fights on ESPN, I’ll take it.
– Another possible live event that I may attend if ticket prices are reasonable………..
I will keep a sharp eye on Mason’s fight. I have a feeling Harutyunyan will provide a really good fight against Stevenson.
Keep your eye on Mason when he faces a real fighters not uber drivers
Well, it’s an ESPN fight, so it’s up in the air???? Shakur does he start to let his hands go to attract potential bidders? This is his last fight with top rank unless he re-signs. Foster and Robson could steal the show which I think is a helluva a fight. I got a feeling Shakur becomes a bit more offensive this fight, we shall see!
Let me rephrase myself. Foster and Robson will steal the show because we cannot rely on Shakur to do it.
He will surely be more offensive than he was against De Los Santos… not being so would be pretty impossible. I think this one ends up being business as usual for Stevenson, but I hope I’m wrong and he does want to make some sort of statement.
Good point. With Bob more than likely taking a step back very soon if not already, Shakur won’t be dealing with the same company, just the name. We could see him jump over to Eddie Hearn if the guarantees are right. If Arum stays in at full capacity, Stevenson could very well re-sign and become the sole face of the company. Usually, Arum keeps the potential “next face” around long enough to take over once the top dog either exits or loses. Regardless, those hands need to move, especially when taking on the quality of fighters he’s been taking on. It’s the only way a big fight will line up for him. Davis won’t do it so he might have to move up to 140.
Bob’s 92 years old. I’d be absolutely shocked if he’s still running Top Rank day to day. I think that’s Todd DuBoef and probably has been for years.
Shakur should accept the fight against zepeda in order to make money and not be fighting for peanuts
Oshaquie VS concenciao
I think oshaquie is in trouble
The stamina will play an important role in this f8gjt if oshaquie get out of gas the Brazilian might win the fight
A decent card.
Good card
Hopefully Stevenson doesn’t fight like a snowflake and puts the crowd to sleep.
Boring!
I wouldn’t pop that “legend” cork just yet, young Shakur. You have a ways to go and I don’t believe this fight gets you any closer. If you fight and beat Loma and Tank convincingly, then you’ll be on your way.
I’d love to see Conceição catch a break this time around but I’d imagine O’Shaquie will be the prohibitive favorite against him.
Interesting to see Keyshawn getting matched against a guy with a big knockout record. Top Rank must know something and believe the opponent poses little to no threat. Should be interesting.
And Abdullah Mason could be the future of the lightweight division.
espn promoting this card young fighters trying to move up rather see shakur fight loma dont know about shakurs opponent might fall asleep during shakurs fight
wait first i thought Shakira was retired and second when did he win the 135 lb WBC title……
Stevenson still hasn’t fought anyone worth writing home about except uber drivers.
Shakur Sleepenson!!!
Good one Carlos!