Olympic Silver Medalist and three-division world champion Shakur Stevenson returned to his hometown of Newark, New Jersey, to sqyuare off against 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist Artem Harutyunyan at the Prudential Center. The event also showcased a contentious co-main fight and several thrilling undercard matches.
Shakur Stevenson, the WBC World Lightweight champion, successfully defended his title against Artem Harutyunyan in a 12-round battle. While Harutyunyan's unique fighting style and aggressive approach posed initial challenges for Stevenson in the early rounds, Stevenson quickly adjusted by utilizing his exceptional hand speed and counterpunching abilities to take control of the fight. As the bout progressed, Stevenson's relentless body shots and accurate punches clearly surpassed Harutyunyan's efforts. Despite Harutyunyan's strong determination, Stevenson's superior skills ultimately led him to a convincing victory with judges scores of 119-109, 118-110, and 116-112.
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In the co-main event, WBC World Junior Lightweight champion O’Shaquie Foster squared off against 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Robson Conceicao in an intense showdown. Both fighters showcased their skills throughout the bout, with Foster's effective counterpunching tactics contrasting Conceicao's relentless pressure and powerful overhand rights in what turned out to be a closely contested match. In the final round, Conceicao emerged victorious with a split decision, scoring 116-112 on two occasions and 115-113, claiming the championship in a verdict that stirred up discussions among fans and analysts.
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At the super featherweight level, William "The Silent Assassin" Foster III suffered a defeat by decision to southpaw Eridson Garcia after 10 rounds of action. Garcia dominated the early stages of the fight and maintained control despite Foster's efforts to stage a comeback. The judges' scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice reflected Garcia's dominant showing.
In the welterweight division, southpaw Kelvin "Night Night" Davis secured a majority decision victory over Kevin Johnson in an eight-round bout. Despite Johnson's resilient efforts following Davis's strong start, it was Davis's initial dominance that ultimately earned him the win with scores of 78-74 on two occasions and 76-76.
Lightweight southpaw Abdullah Mason achieved an impressive stoppage win over Luis "Popeye" Lebron at 1;18 into the third round. Mason's relentless attack and powerful blows proved too much for Lebron to handle, resulting in a referee stoppage as Lebron’s corner threw in the towel.
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Keyshawn "The Businessman" Davis, who won silver at the 2021 Olympics, triumphed over Miguel "Explosivo" Madueno after ten rounds. Throughout the contest, Davis displayed his superior technique and hand speed, consistently outstriking Madueno. Despite Madueno's forceful tactics, Davis managed to dominate the match and emerged as the clear victor with unanimous scores of 99 91 awarded by all three judges.
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Image Credit: Top Rank