Shakur Stevenson, the WBC lightweight champion, is set to defend his title against Artem Harutyunyan on July 6th in Newark, New Jersey. This decision has raised eyebrows among boxing fans, as Harutyunyan is coming off a loss in his last fight against Frank Martin. Many expected Stevenson to face a tougher opponent like #2 WBC contender Raymond Muratalla, who has an impressive record of 19-0 with 16 KOs. The choice to fight Harutyunyan, who is ranked #8 and has a less impressive record of 12-1, has left fans questioning Stevenson’s motives and decision-making.
Stevenson’s upcoming fight against Harutyunyan is also significant because it marks the end of his contract with promotional company Top Rank. There is speculation about whether Stevenson’s decision to fight Harutyunyan was influenced by his desire to leave Top Rank on a positive note. Stevenson will need to deliver a compelling performance in this fight to increase his market value and appeal to potential new promotional companies. However, Top Rank’s role in selecting Harutyunyan as Stevenson’s final opponent raises questions about their intentions. Will Top Rank attempt to re-sign Stevenson, or are they ready to part ways with him after this fight?
One of the criticisms against Stevenson is his fighting style, which has been described as defensive and unentertaining. Known for his slick boxing skills and ability to elude opponents, Stevenson has faced criticism for not engaging in more exciting fights. This has led to doubts about his potential to become a pay-per-view attraction in the future. Top fighters like Gervonta Davis, Vasiliy Lomachenko, and Emanuel Navarrete have shown little interest in facing Stevenson due to his reputation as a defensive fighter. If Stevenson hopes to enhance his market value and attract top opponents in the future, he will need to showcase a more aggressive and captivating fighting style in his upcoming bout against Harutyunyan.
Despite the controversy surrounding his fight selection and the questions about his future with Top Rank, Shakur Stevenson faces a pivotal moment in his career on July 6th. His performance against Artem Harutyunyan will not only determine the fate of his WBC lightweight title but also shape his reputation and marketability in the boxing world. Stevenson must prove his critics wrong and deliver a standout performance that solidifies his position as a top fighter in the sport. Only time will tell whether Stevenson’s decision to face Harutyunyan was a savvy strategic move or a missed opportunity to showcase his true potential.