Newark’s three-division world champion, Shakur Stevenson, is gearing up to defend his WBC lightweight title on his home ground. Stevenson will make the inaugural defense of his title against Armenian-born German Olympian Artem Harutyunyan on Saturday, July 6, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
In a stacked co-feature, O’Shaquie Foster will defend his WBC junior lightweight title against Brazilian Olympic gold medalist and three-time world title challenger Robson Conceição. The event will kick off with a 10-round lightweight bout between Keyshawn Davis and Mexican veteran Miguel Madueño.
The televised tripleheader, featuring Stevenson-Harutyunyan, Foster-Conceição, and Davis-Madueño, will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Bob Arum, Chairman of Top Rank, expressed excitement about Stevenson’s return to Newark, saying, “There is a unique connection between Shakur and the City of Newark, and we are thrilled he’s returning for another hometown appearance against a tough opponent in Artem Harutyunyan.” Dylan Wanagiel, VP of Sports Properties & Special Events for Prudential Center, also shared his enthusiasm, stating, “To once again welcome back Top Rank, ESPN, and Shakur Stevenson for the third time in two years is a great honor for Prudential Center and the entire city of Newark.”
Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) has an impressive record and has won world titles in three weight classes. His opponent, Harutyunyan (12-1, 7 KOs), an Olympic bronze medalist, will be looking to upset Stevenson in his hometown. Stevenson expressed confidence about the upcoming fight, stating, “It feels good to be going back home to Newark, where they appreciate a young legend, and to make my first title defense at 135. On July 6, Down Goes Artem!” Harutyunyan, on the other hand, is determined to seize the opportunity, saying, “I respect Shakur Stevenson as a champion, but I’m coming to shock his hometown fans and win the WBC lightweight championship.”
In the co-feature, Foster (22-2, 12 KOs) will put his title on the line against Conceição (18-2-1, 9 KOs), Brazil’s inaugural Olympic boxing gold medalist. Foster expressed readiness for the challenge, stating, “I’m excited to be back for my third title defense. Conceição is a great opponent who has been in the ring with a lot of top fighters, but come July 6, we will be ready.” Conceição, determined to claim the title, declared, “I’m really looking forward to this fight against O’Shaquie Foster. This title is something I’ve been aiming for a long time, and I’m not going to let this opportunity slip away.”
In the undercard action, streaming exclusively on ESPN+, 20-year-old lightweight prodigy Abdullah Mason (13-0, 11 KOs) will face Puerto Rican veteran Luis Lebron (20-5-1, 13 KOs), while unbeaten heavyweight prospect Damian “Polish Hussar” Knyba (13-0, 7 KOs) takes on Richard Lartey (16-6, 13 KOs) in an eight-round bout.
