Shakur Stevenson vs. Artem Harutyunyan: Press Conference Highlights and Fight Prediction
Shakur Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) and Artem Harutyunyan (12-1, 7 KOs) are keen to put on a good show this Saturday.
The two lightweights headline a Top Rank card – in association with Universum Boxing at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Fight fans in the United States can catch the action live on ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. Those in the United Kingdom and Ireland can do so on Sky Sports, while TSN will carry the event for those in Canada. Stevenson will be making the first defence of his WBC lightweight title, a belt he won against Edwin De Los Santos in November last year.
Ahead of their July 6 clash, both men spoke at a press conference. Below is some of what they had to say.
Shakur Stevenson vs. Artem Harutyunyan: Press Conference Highlights and Prediction
Press Conference Quotes
Stevenson
“This place is very special,” said Stevenson. “I appreciate my fans. I appreciate everybody that comes out to support in Newark and we’re going to put on a show.”
“It just be a lot of clout chasers in Vegas,” he said of training in Houston instead of Las Vegas. “But fuck them. They don’treally matter. I really want to talk about [him]. I’m not falling for that, I’m not falling for that. You’re trying to act real humble, try to 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 just going to be myself. Be myself, come out and show my talent and show my levels. Like I said, 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 stuff I don’t really have to do. I can sit in the pocket and beat you up, too.”
Harutyunyan
“I‘m happy to be in New Jersey, in Newark,” said Harutyunyan. “I was born in Armenia, and live in Germany. I’ve come all the way up to fight Shakur Stevenson here in his hometown. It’s a big opportunity for me and I will do my best and show a great fight.”
“I came to 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 will be back in the States. And now it’s happened. I’m back here...”
“I did 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. Now we’refighting for the world championship...”
Stevenson vs. Harutyunyan Fight Prediction
Stevenson seems keen on going for the stoppage, but doing so against Harutyunyan might be harder than it sounds. While the lightweight champion has the skills to outbox his opponent, Harutyunyan should be able to make it to the final bell. The Armenian-born German has competed at or above the 135-lb limit for the entirety of his career, and it will take a lot more power to knock him out. Expect a unanimous decision win for Stevenson.
Full Press Conference
For the entire press conference, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Top Rank.
Currently writing out of Toronto, Canada, Saadeq first became a boxing fan while living in Doha, Qatar. Looking to become more involved in the sport, he began writing about boxing and has had work published in outlets such as Seconds Out and Boxing Social. He looks forward to continue covering boxing on Big Fight Weekend.
