Shakur Stevenson felt the wrath of criticism over his unentertaining victory in elevating to WBC lightweight champion in November.
Now he says it’s payback time.
New Jersey’s Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) confirmed to Boxing Scene Tuesday that he’ll return to the ring July 6 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., against a yet-to-be-named opponent for his first lightweight title defense.
“I’m coming to make a statement and whip ass,” said Stevenson, a three-division champion. “They’re never playing me again. I’m not a person to be played with.”
Stevenson, an extraordinary tactician and elusive wonder, leaned on those skills to defeat Edwin De Los Santos in a Nov. 17 main-event bout in Las Vegas, which drew boos for its inactivity.
Neither fighter landed more than nine punches in a single round, and De Los Santos was subdued by Stevenson’s evasive brilliance, landing a CompuBox record-low 40 punches over the 12 rounds.
The backlash over that triumph, combined with other foes turning away from Stevenson to fight alternative opponents, festered in the young champion. Stevenson announced his retirement from the sport in late January, posting on X, “I’m officially retiring from the sport of boxing. I’ll be in the gym forever perfecting my craft and helping the next generation become great and chase (their) dreams, but I ain’t (messing with) this weak boxing game.”
Less than two weeks later, the former U.S. Olympic silver medalist reconsidered, plotting a return.
And in his conversation with Boxing Scene, he said he understands that while his gifts in the ring may not always equate to knockouts, he knows the way he can most dazzle and thrill his fan base.
“I’ll be my sensational self and whip ass,” Stevenson said. “I’m the best fighter in boxing. I know that.”
Following discussions with his mentors, No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford and retired Hall of Fame two-division champion Andre Ward, Stevenson said he’s approaching the July 6 bout with vigor, believing the showing will generate the string of big-name fights he craves.
Dan Rafael on Substack’s “Fight Freaks Unite,” first reported Stevenson’s return date and venue.
“I just gotta kick my way through the door [toward major events], and that’s going to happen starting July 6,” Stevenson told Boxing Scene. “I’m so excited about it.
“The stuff I’ve been working on originally is special … Bud knows. He told me in the last fight, ‘Go out there and box and win,’ and I did. Now, I’ll be taking the same advice and turning it way up.”
Last edited by Ruthless-RKO on 05 Jul 2024, 04:03, edited 3 times in total.
Keyshawn Davis is wasting little time getting back into the ring following his one-sided stoppage win against former world titleholder Jose Pedraza in February.
The lightweight sensation Davis (10-0, 7 KOs), a 2020 Olympic silver medalist, will be taking on Miguel Madueno (31-2, 28 KOs) on July 6 as the co-main event of a Top Rank on ESPN show. In the main event, WBC lightweight titleholder Shakur Stevenson is slated to defend his title against Artem Harutyunyan in Newark, New Jersey.
“It's going to be another fantastic, crowd-pleasing performance from me,” Davis told BS. “[Madueno] is my age and not an old veteran. He's never been stopped before. He's going to be a tough opponent who's coming in to fight. He's going to bring the fight to me.”
Madueno will look to build on the momentum from his split decision win against Justin Pauldo in February. The 10-round showcase was a Wednesday Night Fights main event broadcast on ProBox TV.
"Explosivo" came into the Pauldo fight having lost to Steve Claggett via unanimous decision in November. The 25-year-old Mexican fighter based in Orange, California also has a 2021 win against Sonny Fredrickson.
Davis is looking to dominate Madueno much like he did against Pedraza in a sixth-round technical knockout win.
“I wasn't surprised [by the easy Pedraza win]. I know what I am capable of. I was happy and thankful it turned out that way,” said Davis, who’s coached by 2023 Trainer of the Year Brian “Bomac” Mcintyre.
Davis will be fighting on the undercard of a Stevenson-headlined card for the fourth time in his three-year career.
The 25-year-old believes he’s ready to headline a hometown show in Norfolk, Virginia later this year.
"It's a blessing to have people [like Stevenson and Terence Crawford] around you that want to see you win. It's deeper than boxing,” said Davis.
Prese Release | Shakur Stevenson-Artem Harutyunyan & O’Shaquie Foster-Robson Conceição World Title Doubleheader Set for July 6
Newark’s three-division king is ready to defend his crown on native turf.
Shakur Stevenson will make the inaugural defense of his WBC lightweight world championship against Armenian-born German Olympian Artem Harutyunyan on Saturday, July 6, at Prudential Center in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey.
In the co-feature, O’Shaquie Foster will defend his WBC junior lightweight world title against Brazilian Olympic gold medalist and three-time world title challenger Robson Conceição.
In the 10-round lightweight televised opener, Keyshawn Davis will take on Mexican veteran Miguel Madueño.
Stevenson-Harutyunyan, Foster-Conceição, and Davis-Madueño will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN, Deportes and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Universum Boxing, tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 22 at 2 p.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com.
“There is a unique connection between Shakur and the City of Newark, and we are thrilled he’s returning for another hometown appearance against a tough opponent in Artem Harutyunyan,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “O’Shaquie Foster does not shy away from the best opposition, and I know Robson Conceição is motivated to pull off the upset. And with Keyshawn Davis on the card against a rugged contender in Madueño, this is quite the tripleheader we have in store in Brick City.”
“To once again welcome back Top Rank, ESPN, and Shakur Stevenson for the third time in two years is a great honor for Prudential Center and the entire city of Newark,” said Dylan Wanagiel, VP of Sports Properties & Special Events for Prudential Center. “We look forward to hosting an unforgettable evening filled with history-making moments in the heart of New Jersey as Shakur takes on a formidable opponent in Artem Harutyunyan for the WBC Lightweight Title. Following consecutive record-breaking events with Shakur headlining, we are excited to showcase the sweet science in our world class venue, further solidifying Newark’s reputation for marquee events around the world.”
Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) has won world titles in three weight classes during his seven-year run. After securing a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics, he made his pro debut in 2017 and swiftly moved up the ranks. He captured his first world title by defeating Joet Gonzalez for the WBO featherweight strap in October 2019. Two years later, he stopped Jamel Herring in 10 rounds to earn the WBO title at 130 pounds. The 26-year-old southpaw unified world titles by handing then-WBC champion Oscar Valdez his first loss in April 2022. Stevenson then claimed two consecutive victories at Prudential Center by defeating Conceição that September and stopping Japanese contender Shuichiro Yoshino in six last April. Hee outpointed Dominican puncher Edwin De Los Santos last November to become the WBC lightweight world champion.
Stevenson said, “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!”
Harutyunyan (12-1, 7 KOs) captured an Olympic bronze medal for Germany in 2016. He started his pro career the following year and went 12-0 in his adopted country with triumphs over Samuel Molina in September 2021 and Humberto Galindo in June 2022. Last July, he made his U.S. debut in a competitive showdown against Frank Martin. The 33-year-old had success with his aggression and right hand, though Martin rallied late to win a narrow unanimous decision. Harutyunyan will have his first world title shot against his second consecutive southpaw rival.
Harutyunyan said, “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. This will be my second fight in the U.S. I’ve learned and progressed since my loss to Frank Martin.”
Foster (22-2, 12 KOs) had a distinguished amateur career with more than 100 fights and an alternate spot in the 2012 U.S. Olympic team before entering the paid ranks later that year. He encountered two early-career setbacks, including a split decision defeat to Rolando Chinea in July 2016. He returned more than a year later with renowned trainer Bobby Benton and has since gone 12-0. Last February, he won the WBC world title with a points verdict over two-division world champion Rey Vargas before a dramatic 12th-round knockout win against Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez in October. The following month, Foster signed a long-term promotional deal with Top Rank. He returns after securing a well-earned split decision over Abraham Nova in February.
Foster said, “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.”
Conceição (18-2-1, 9 KOs), Brazil's inaugural Olympic boxing gold medalist, turned pro in November 2016. His only losses have come against unbeaten world champions, including a close decision against then-WBC champ Valdez in September 2021. Following the setback to Stevenson, Conceição’s June 2022 showdown against Nicolas Polanco ended in a no contest. He followed up by challenging three-weight world champion Emanuel Navarrete last November, rising twice from the canvas and battling to a majority draw. In April, he registered a seventh-round TKO against Jose Guardado in April.
Conceição said, "I'm really looking forward to this fight against O’Shaquie Foster. This title is something I've been aiming for a long time, and 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. I'm ready to face any challenge that comes my way. Let's go all in towards victory! Brazil!”
Davis (10-0, 7 KOs), from Norfolk, Virginia, made a quick transition from prospect to contender. After going 3-0 as a pro, he earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. In November 2021, he inked a long-term promotional pact with Top Rank and has amassed seven wins since. In 2023, he stopped Anthony Yigit in nine rounds in April and vanquished Francesco Patera via 10-round decision in July. After his October win over Nahir Albright was overturned to a no contest due to a positive marijuana test, Davis returned with renewed vigor in February to dispatch former two-weight world champion Jose Pedraza in six. Madueño (31-2, 28 KOs) tallied a three-fight winning spree after a decision defeat to Jezreel Corrales in March 2022. The streak was halted by a points setback against Canadian contender Steve Claggett last November, but he bounced back quickly by decisioning Justin Pauldo in February.
Davis said, “Madueño is a tough fighter with more than 30 pro fights, and I have a lot of respect for what he brings to the table. I love fighting in Newark. The fans there are special, and I am going to feed off their energy and put on a show.”
Undercard action — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ — includes the return of 20-year-old lightweight prodigy Abdullah Mason and unbeaten heavyweight prospect Damian “Polish Hussar” Knyba.
Mason (13-0, 11 KOs) will make his third 2024 appearance in an eight-rounder against Puerto Rican veteran Luis Lebron. The Cleveland native went 5-0 with four knockouts last year before stopping Benjamin Gurment in two in February. He is coming off a fourth-round TKO win over Ronal Ron in April. Lebron (20-5-1, 13 KOs) has given stiff tests to Duke Ragan and Henry Lebron and stopped Giovanni Gutierrez in February.
Knyba (13-0, 7 KOs), a 6-foot-7 behemoth with an 86-inch reach, returns in an eight-rounder versus Richard Lartey (16-6, 13 KOs). He joined the Top Rank stable in January 2023 and scored a TKO win over Curtis Harper that April followed by decisions over Helaman Olguin in June and Michael Coffie in December.
Worst robbery of the year. No excuses. Need an investigation for that fight. Had it 11-1 for Foster and threw Robson a close round could have been 12-0. Never touched: commission really must do something but we all know they won’t. Sport killer.
Looks like he could end it when he wants, but dicks around looking good, arguing with his trainer, telling us "he's about to get done" then doing F all....
Boxingguru75 wrote: ↑06 Jul 2024, 23:06
Worst robbery of the year. No excuses. Need an investigation for that fight. Had it 11-1 for Foster and threw Robson a close round could have been 12-0. Never touched: commission really must do something but we all know they won’t. Sport killer.
For someone to basically 12-0 a fight and lose the decision, I can't recall many high profile robberies this egregious in maybe 10 or 15 years.
Boxingguru75 wrote: ↑06 Jul 2024, 23:06
Worst robbery of the year. No excuses. Need an investigation for that fight. Had it 11-1 for Foster and threw Robson a close round could have been 12-0. Never touched: commission really must do something but we all know they won’t. Sport killer.
For someone to basically 12-0 a fight and lose the decision, I can't recall many high profile robberies this egregious in maybe 10 or 15 years.
