Shakur Stevenson, the WBC lightweight champion, is gearing up to face Artem Harutyunyan on July 6th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Despite the upcoming bout being deemed as a risky one by Stevenson himself, fans are skeptical about whether Harutyunyan poses a real threat to the reigning champion. Harutyunyan’s recent loss to Frank Martin and lackluster performance have left many questioning his abilities in the ring.
The Perception of Fans
The consensus among fans is that the fight between Stevenson and Harutyunyan is perceived as a mismatch. Harutyunyan’s record of 13-1 with 7 KOs does not instill fear in Stevenson or his team. The lack of power and standout qualities in Harutyunyan’s game only add to the skepticism surrounding the matchup. While Shakur acknowledges the challenge Harutyunyan may present with his footwork and pressure, many see this as another opportunity for Stevenson to showcase his skills against a seemingly underwhelming opponent.
Critics have labeled this fight as yet another cherry-pick for Shakur Stevenson, who has yet to face any significant names in the lightweight division. While some blame falls on his promoters for not securing top-tier opponents, Stevenson’s defensive and strategic fighting style also plays a role in deterring potential challengers. Stevenson’s tendency to land single shots and evade confrontation has made him a less desirable opponent for elite fighters looking for a challenge.
As Stevenson’s final fight under his current promotion, Top Rank, he must deliver a standout performance against Harutyunyan to secure a favorable deal in his next contract. Stevenson’s future as a free agent hinges on his ability to impress both fans and potential promoters. The upcoming bout serves as an audition of sorts for Stevenson, as he aims to secure the best possible deal moving forward. Running or playing it safe against Harutyunyan is not an option if Stevenson wishes to secure a lucrative contract in the future.