On Saturday, July 6, Shakur Stevenson will defend his WBC Lightweight Championship against Artem Harutyunyan in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey.
“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,” Stevenson said.
Shakur Stevenson is no stranger to fighting in front of his hometown crowd. Two of the champion’s last three fights have taken place in Brick City. Overall, he’s 3-0 with two knockouts in fights held at the Prudential Center and 3-0 with two knockouts in fights held at nearby Madison Square Garden. However, Harutyunyan believes he’s the man to end Stevenson’s hometown winning streak. Coming off of the first loss of his career, he’s confident that his first setback as a pro is a setup for his greatest performance yet.
“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,” Harutyunyan said.
“This will be my second fight in the U.S. I’ve learned and progressed since my loss to Frank Martin.”
Harutyunyan and Stevenson will not be the only fighters competing for a world championship on July 6. In the co-main event, O’Shaquie Foster will put his WBC Super Featherweight Championship on the line against one of Stevenson’s past opponents, Robson Conceição. Not to be forgotten, Keyshawn Davis will go toe-to-toe with Miguel Madueño in a lightweight showdown. Hosted by Top Rank, the action will begin 9 p.m. EST on ESPN on Saturday, July 6.
