WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson climbs back into the ring on Saturday night in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey, against Artem Harutyunyan.
While Stevenson’s opponent isn’t a household name, Saturday’s fight is vital in the 27-year-old’s career.
Stevenson’s title will be on the line, but we could also get some answers about his future. Here’s how you can watch Stevenson battle Harutyunyan.
- Date: Saturday, July 6
- Time: 8:30 pm ET
- TV/Stream: ESPN and ESPN+
Shakur Stevenson’s Situation
Stevenson is in the final fight of his deal with Top Rank, and his future regarding his promotion is unclear. It is possible Stevenson could re-up with Top Rank, but he could also sign with Matchroom.
Eddie Hearn has been publicly wooing Stevenson and criticizing Top Rank’s promotion of him over the past few weeks.
Aligning with Matchroom would put the young star in a position to get involved with some of the Riyadh Season events that have been lighting a fire under the sport. Stevenson’s upcoming fight with Harutyunyan is not just another bout.
It could be his defining moment, his last chance to demonstrate to Top Rank what they’ve been missing and to his next promoter what they’ll be gaining.
Stevenson is hungry to compete with his contemporaries, Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, and Vasyl Lomachenko. Without a win on Saturday, his shine will dim.
Who is Artem Harutyunyan?
Harutyunyan has two consecutive opportunities to prove he belongs among the elite fighters in the 135-pound division. The 33-year-old German had a solid amateur career.
He won an Olympic bronze medal at the 2016 games but only turned pro in 2017. He’s coming off a loss to Frank Martin in his last fight. Martin’s victory over Harutyunyan set up an opportunity for him to face Davis.
However, the fight against Davis did not go as planned for Martin.
Harutyunyan is 33, but he has only had 13 professional fights. Thanks to some ferocious punching, he has scored seven KOs.
However, Harutyunyan might be tailor-made for Stevenson to put on a show. Stevenson should be in a position to shine. We’ll see if Harutyunyan’s awkward style and relentless pursuit can give Stevenson some unexpected difficulties. The rest of the televised card on ESPN is strong as well.
WBC junior lightweight champion O’Shaquie Foster will defend his title against Robson Conceicao. This fight will be Foster’s third title defense. Conceicao, a 35-year-old Brazilian, has lost other opportunities to ascend to another level.
Stevenson and Oscar Valdez defeated him unanimously in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Foster will be expected to win. The question is, can Foster become the first man to stop Conceiao?
The up-and-coming Keyshawn Davis faces Miguel Madueno in what could be one of the last bouts the former has before he gets his first opportunity at a world title. Be on the lookout for my breakdown of Stevenson’s evening late on Saturday night.
