Shakur Stevenson successfully defended his WBC lightweight title against Artem Harutyunyan in Newark, New Jersey, winning by unanimous decision.
However, the night’s major upset came during the co-main event. Robson Conceicao clinched the WBC junior lightweight title in a shocking victory over O’Shaquie Foster, despite landing only 11% of his punches. Foster outpunched Conceicao 109-76 but still lost in a split decision.
Stevenson, a three-division world champion, previously held titles at featherweight and junior lightweight before moving to 135 pounds. He became a lightweight champion last November by defeating Edwin De Los Santos. Fans showed their discontent as Stevenson’s defensive tactics led to boos, but he ultimately won, improving to 22-0, while Harutyunyan fell to 12-2.
Highlights from the Stevenson vs. Harutyunyan fight include:
Round 11: Stevenson continued to defend effectively but failed to impress the crowd.
Round 10: Both boxers remained cautious, with Harutyunyan pushing for a late-round victory.
Round 9: Stevenson dominated early but Harutyunyan closed the round with strong combinations.
Round 8: Stevenson maintained high energy, focusing on body shots.
Round 7: Stevenson wore down Harutyunyan with body blows, who counterpunched effectively.
Round 6: Stevenson’s body shots started taking their toll on Harutyunyan.
Round 5: Stevenson became more aggressive and outlanded Harutyunyan 21-8.
Round 4: Stevenson picked up the pace and likely won three of the first four rounds.
Round 3: Local fans expressed frustration as Stevenson limited engagement.
Round 2: Both boxers had a slow start, with Harutyunyan attempting to be the aggressor.
Round 1: Stevenson started cautiously while Harutyunyan attempted to control the pace.
In the co-main event, Conceicao’s victory over Foster was controversial:
Round 12: Conceicao won by split decision to claim the title, despite being outpunched.
Round 11: Foster remained defensive, secure in his lead.
Round 10: Conceicao intensified his effort, landing strong body shots.
Round 9: Foster pulled away but Conceicao continued to land combinations.
Round 8: Conceicao pressed hard but Foster’s speed kept him ahead.
Round 7: Foster remained defensive, avoiding significant hits from Conceicao.
Round 6: Foster countered effectively after Conceicao’s combinations.
Round 5: Foster continued a methodical approach, causing minor fan unrest.
Round 4: Foster’s quickness prevented Conceicao from making significant connections.
Round 2: Both boxers continued a cautious approach.
Round 1: A slow start with both fighters probing for opportunities.
Keyshawn Davis demonstrated dominance over Miguel Madueno, winning by unanimous decision, improving to 11-0. Abdullah Mason defeated Luis Lebron by technical knockout in the third round of their fight.
Stevenson’s next potential big match could be against Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, although negotiations are ongoing for a possible unification bout with Vasiliy Lomachenko.
The fight card featured:
– Main event: Shakur Stevenson vs. Artem Harutyunyan; WBC lightweight title.
– Co-main event: O’Shaquie Foster vs. Robson Conceicao; WBC junior lightweight title.
– Keyshawn Davis vs. Miguel Madueno.
– Abdullah Mason vs. Luis Lebron.
The event took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Stevenson remains an elite boxer, known for his defensive prowess and tactical fighting style.