Stevenson and Harutyunyan Size Each Other Up – ‘I’m One Of The Best’
Shakur Stevenson and Artem Harutyunyan sized each other up in their final pre-fight presser before they face off on Saturday.
Shakur has plenty of motivation to defy his critics. Despite being a three-weight world champion, Stevenson’s last performance against Edwin De Los Santos was criticized. He won the vacant WBC Lightweight Title, beating De Los Santos via a unanimous decision. But the defensive nature of the performance received boos from boxing fans. Stevenson later disclosed that he entered the fight with a hand injury. However, he needs to perform better now that he is in the final fight of his Top Rank contract.
Harutyunyan can upset the odds and secure a maiden title win. The German is an underdog. However, he will take confidence from his performance against Frank Martin in his last fight. Although he lost the fight after having a knee in the final round, he got the better of Martin with his skills. Martin is a southpaw like Shakur, although Stevenson is at an elite level. Here is what both fighters had to say at the presser.
Presser
“This place is very special. I appreciate my fans. I appreciate everybody that comes out to support in Newark. And we’re going to put on a show. I really want to talk about him. I’m not falling for that. You’re trying to act real humble and butter me up and act like you’re not really coming here to win. No, you’re coming here to win, bro. I already know. He doesn’t sound as confident as I thought he would sound. Hopefully, he’s coming to fight.
“I’m going to take him to a level he’s never been on. I’m just going to be myself. [And] I’m going to come out and show my talent and show my levels. I think I’m one of the best in the sport of boxing at hit and don’t get hit. There’s a certain way of doing that, and I want to show the fans that all that moving around is something I don’t really have to do. I can sit in the pocket and beat you up, too,” Stevenson
Artem Reacts
“I was born in Armenia, and I grew up in Germany. I’ve come all the way here to fight Shakur Stevenson in his hometown. It’s a big opportunity for me. I will do my best and give a great fight. [And] I came to Las Vegas last year. I was fighting Frank Martin. It was a great fight. I know Frank Martin knows he lost the fight. I told everybody that I would be back in the States. And now it’s happened. I’m back here.
“It’s a great opportunity. I had a great training camp, and I’m well prepared. I’m ready for this fight. I know Shakur Stevenson is a good fighter. He is a world champion. We both fought at the Olympic games. He is a silver medalist, and I’m a bronze medalist. Now we’re fighting for the world championship,” Artem
Full Card
Shakur Stevenson vs. Artem Harutyunyan – 12 rounds, Stevenson’s WBC Lightweight World Title
O’Shaquie Foster vs. Robson Conceição – 12 rounds, Foster’s WBC Junior Lightweight World Title
Keyshawn Davis vs. Miguel Madueño – 10 rounds, Davis’ USBA, WBC USA, and WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Titles
Abdullah Mason vs. Luis Lebron – 8 rounds, lightweight bout
Prelims
William Foster III vs. Eridson Garcia – 10 rounds, junior lightweight
Keith Colon vs. Hunter Turbyfill – 4 rounds, featherweight
Kelvin Davis vs. Kevin Johnson – 8 rounds, junior welterweight
Ali Feliz vs. Robinson Perez – 4 rounds, heavyweight
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