By Shakur Stevenson is set to silence his critics as he steps into the ring to defend his WBC lightweight title against Artem Harutyunyan. The bout, which will be Stevenson’s first title defense, is scheduled to take place in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports at 1am on Sunday.
Stevenson, who became a three-division world champion in November 2023 by winning the vacant WBC title with a unanimous decision over Edwin De Los Santos, faced criticism for the fight’s lackluster pace. However, Stevenson is determined to prove his detractors wrong, dismissing those he refers to as “casuals” who lack deep boxing knowledge.
He challenges the notion that some fighters are unbeatable, asserting that anyone can be defeated. Stevenson, confident in his own abilities, is surprised that some consider him an underdog. His goal for the upcoming match is to showcase his skills at the highest level, combining sharpness and intelligence with entertainment.
Stevenson aims to demonstrate the pinnacle of boxing—mastering the art of striking without being hit, all while keeping the audience engaged. His ultimate ambition is to be recognized as the best boxer ever, a title he believes belongs to someone who has perfected this art. Stevenson’s commitment to this philosophy will be on full display on July 6th as he defends his title.
