Shakur Stevenson successfully defended his WBC lightweight title with a dominant performance against Artem Harutyunyan in his final fight under the Top Rank promotional banner. The bout took place in Stevenson's hometown of Newark, New Jersey, marking the third time in four fights that he has fought in front of his local fans.
Stevenson, boasting a professional record of 22-0 with 10 knockouts, showcased his exceptional boxing skills from the outset, firmly establishing control over the match. His performance reaffirmed his status as one of the top pound-for-pound boxers, as recognized by ESPN.
This victory marked Stevenson's second consecutive fight against a significant underdog, with the odds heavily favoring him at -3500. Despite his dominance, Stevenson expressed a desire for a more competitive challenge, stating, 'It's kind of hard to prove [you're the best] if you don't have a fighter trying to fight back; he's just trying to survive.'
Stevenson acknowledged areas for improvement in his performance, particularly in cutting off the ring more effectively to corner his opponents. Reflecting on the lack of aggression from Harutyunyan, Stevenson noted the disappointment in the lack of engagement, leading to some boos from the audience during the final rounds.
Looking ahead, Stevenson remains focused on refining his skills and continuing to elevate his boxing prowess. He emphasized his commitment to returning to the gym to work on his strategies and techniques, aiming to deliver more exciting and competitive fights in the future.
Stevenson's victory over Harutyunyan solidifies his position as a formidable force in the lightweight division, setting the stage for potential future challenges and opportunities to further showcase his talents on the boxing stage.
