Shakur Stevenson Secures Lightweight Title with Unanimous Victory

In a match that was more about strategy than spectacle, Shakur Stevenson convincingly retained his WBC lightweight title against Artem Harutyunyan, concluding his tenure with Top Rank on a winning but subdued note at Newark’s Prudential Center.

Strategy Over Spectacle

Shakur Stevenson, emerging victorious by unanimous decision with judges scoring the bout 119-109, 118-110, and 116-112, displayed a clinical performance that may not have captivated all spectators but certainly showcased his tactical prowess. Despite a less-than-dazzling show that left some fans yearning for more excitement, Stevenson’s skill was undeniable, ensuring he left the ring still a champion.

Harutyunyan, resistant but ultimately outclassed, couldn’t muster the force needed to shift the fight’s momentum. Stevenson, with a record now standing at 22-0, including 10 knockouts, demonstrated his ability to control the fight’s pace and intensity, even if it didn’t reach the thrilling heights some had anticipated.

Gradual Dominance

The bout began quietly, with the local crowd expressing their impatience by the third round. However, Stevenson ignited the bout in the fourth round, targeting Harutyunyan with punishing lefts to the body, marking the challenger and slowly sapping his resolve. This tactical body work intensified through the sixth and seventh rounds, with Stevenson amplifying his assault and visibly shaking Harutyunyan.

Yet, the anticipated knockout remained elusive. Stevenson’s consistent body shots and counterpunching showcased his boxing acumen but the knockout punch never came. By the tenth round, even Stevenson’s right hook, sparingly used until then, seemed to lack its usual sting.

Audience Reaction and Fight Conclusion

As the fight wore on, the crowd’s excitement waned, turning into frustration directed more at Harutyunyan’s defensive tactics than Stevenson’s performance. The twelfth round saw an exodus of spectators, despite Stevenson’s late attempt to invigorate the fight, signalling that while the win was secure, the spectacle was not.

What’s Next for Stevenson?

The unanimous decision not only marked the end of Stevenson’s contract with Top Rank but also opened new doors for him in the boxing world. Post-fight, Stevenson expressed a desire to challenge himself against top-tier opponents, including Gervonta “Tank” Davis and William Zepeda, highlighting his ambition to elevate his career by facing formidable contenders.

“I want to fight the best fighters in boxing. That’s how you’re gonna get to see the best version of me, when you put me in there with somebody else who fights back,” Stevenson stated, setting the stage for what could be a thrilling new chapter in his career.

As Stevenson steps into free agency, the path forward is ripe with potential blockbuster bouts that could define his legacy. Whether this tactical victory will translate into bigger, more lucrative fights remains to be seen, but for now, Stevenson remains a champion, ready to take on the best.