Shakur Stevenson, the WBC lightweight champion, faced off against challenger Artem Harutyunyan in a fight that left much to be desired. After the fight, Shakur expressed his frustration with his opponent’s tactics, shifting all the blame onto Harutyunyan. He claimed that Harutyunyan was running from him and only trying to survive, which prevented him from putting on a more impressive performance for the fans. Despite winning with scores of 119-109, 118-110, and 116-112, Shakur’s lackluster showing left many disappointed.
Throughout the fight, Shakur appeared hesitant and overly cautious, seemingly more concerned with avoiding punches than delivering them. Harutyunyan capitalized on this, landing solid punches whenever Shakur attempted to go on the attack. It became evident that Shakur’s defensive shortcomings were exposed when he transitioned into an offensive stance. As the fight progressed, Harutyunyan resorted to using movement to evade Shakur’s advances, indicating his fatigue and lack of stamina compared to a younger, more resilient fighter.
Shakur’s disappointing performance may have further diminished his chances of securing fights against notable opponents like Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Vasily Lomachenko. Despite expressing his willingness to face these fighters, Shakur’s inability to dominate Harutyunyan raises doubts about his readiness for more challenging opponents. He acknowledged that he cannot force these fights to materialize if his competitors are not willing to face him, highlighting the frustration of being unable to secure the matchups he desires.
Reflecting on the fight, Shakur admitted that he struggled to adjust to Harutyunyan’s unorthodox fighting style. Harutyunyan’s constant movement and feints posed challenges for Shakur in the early rounds, forcing him to adapt his strategy. While Shakur eventually attempted to increase his aggression, Harutyunyan proved to be a resilient opponent who refused to back down. Despite Shakur’s efforts to inflict damage and entertain the fans, Harutyunyan’s primary objective was to survive the twelve rounds, ultimately thwarting Shakur’s performance.
Shakur Stevenson’s lackluster showing against Artem Harutyunyan raises questions about his readiness to face elite competition. While he may have secured the victory, his inability to dominate a supposedly inferior opponent suggests that he may struggle against more formidable foes. Shakur’s frustration with Harutyunyan’s tactics only serves to highlight his own shortcomings in the ring. Moving forward, Shakur must regroup and reassess his approach if he hopes to secure the high-profile fights he desires and prove himself as a true champion in the lightweight division.