‘Artem Harutyunyan Could Have Won Frank Martin Fight’: Shakur Stevenson Focused on “Dangerous” Opponent Amid Free Agent Status

Shakur Stevenson isn’t getting the fight he wanted against Gervonta Davis, at least not anytime soon! In the meantime, the Newark native seems keyed in on his upcoming WBC lightweight title defense against Artem Harutyunyan at Prudential Center, Newark on 7th July, which will also be his last fight with promoter Top Rank.

Harutyunyan is coming off a hard fought twelve rounder against Frank Martin in July last year, which saw the German lightweight take a knee in the championship round of the fight. However, Stevenson suggested Harutyunyan isn’t someone to be taken lightly while speaking to Nat Fleischer Award winner for career excellence in boxing journalism, Kevin Iole.

Shakur Stevenson blames the fatigue for Harutyunyan’s loss

Iole, while speaking to the fast-rising lightweight, broached the subject of Stevenson’s impending free agency following his upcoming fight, noting that various promoters are eager to sign him and inquiring whether this interest generates any additional pressure for him. In response, Stevenson explained, “I’m taking everything one step at a time… I mean pressure either busts pipes or makes diamonds”.

He even highlighted that promoters wouldn’t be talking him up if wouldn’t perform, so “[My] main focus is July 6”. Later in the interview, Iole underscored Harutyunyan’s close loss to Martin last year, questioning whether that makes him more dangerous, which Stevenson answered by saying, “Yeah, I think he’s very much more dangerous”. Stevenson claimed even the Martin fight was extremely close, and could have gone either way. 

In fact, Stevenson says if it weren’t for Harutyunyan taking the knee because of fatigue in the final round, “I think Harutyunyan [could have] won the fight”. So, even though Shakur Stevenson is the clear favorite going into the fight, with more fights and zero losses, the Newark native feels, “He’s a good fighter, definitely dangerous”. Meanwhile, Stevenson has revealed his thoughts on missing out on two big fights, which could have propelled his career to greater heights. 

Gervonta Davis vs. Vasyl Lomachenko means more waiting for Stevenson

After Davis’ phenomenal performance against Martin earlier this month, the potential fight against Ukraine’s Vasyl Lomachenko is moving forward quickly. So, when Boxing Scene probed him about his thoughts on missing out on fights against the two top fighters in his division—Stevenson said, “Honestly, I don’t care. It is what it is”.

Claiming he is fighting for himself and not for money or clout, Stevenson added, “I don’t give a f**k about that s**t. I know that my time will come”. Stevenson expressed optimism, claiming sooner or later Davis will have to face him in the ring and that will be his opportunity to nab greatness. 

Turning to Lomachenko, Stevenson feels a fight against the IBF lightweight title holder has always been on his mind. All that is left to do is for Top Rank to make the fight happen, but with Stevenson’s last fight with the promotion, things aren’t that simple. Stevenson said, “I think me and Lomachenko should be next and unify… I think that’s a Lomachenko question, though. His team has to accept the fight”.

Having said that, the Artem Harutyunyan fight might not be the biggest fight for Shakur Stevenson, but he seems laser focused on the fight, and he isn’t counting the German boxer out. What’s more, Stevenson could really use a bombastic performance after his sad showing against Edwin De Los Santos last year. Do you think Harutyunyan would pose a challenge?