Stevenson’s Dominant Performance
On Saturday night, Shakur Stevenson successfully defended his WBC lightweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over Artem Harutyunyan. This fight was especially significant as it marked the end of Stevenson’s contract with Top Rank, making him a promotional free agent.
A Strategic Yet Unexciting Start
The bout began with a cautious approach from both fighters. Stevenson’s previous fight against Edwin De Los Santos had been criticized for its lack of action, and this match initially seemed to follow a similar pattern. Harutyunyan, known for his defensive style, was a challenging opponent to create an exciting fight against. The first round saw minimal engagement, with only five punches landed between the two fighters, leading to early frustration from the audience.
Tactical Battle and Fan Reactions
Harutyunyan attempted to pressure Stevenson by moving forward, but Stevenson’s superior footwork and distance control effectively neutralized these efforts. This tactical approach, while sound, did not excite the fans, who began to boo by the third round. Harutyunyan focused on body shots, hoping to disrupt Stevenson’s rhythm and slow his movement. Despite these efforts, Stevenson gradually found his range and timing, starting to throw more powerful punches and taking on a more aggressive role as the fight progressed.
Stevenson Asserts Control
By the end of the third round, Stevenson had established control over the fight. His superior timing and precision began to show, and he started to land significant punches with greater frequency. During the break after the fourth round, Stevenson confidently told his corner that he intended to secure a knockout, signaling a shift in his approach. He began to push forward more aggressively, landing powerful shots to both the body and head of Harutyunyan.
Struggles in the Later Rounds
Despite Stevenson’s dominance, the second half of the fight saw Harutyunyan employing evasive tactics to avoid significant damage. Stevenson struggled to string together combinations and pin down his elusive opponent. Harutyunyan occasionally took the initiative, throwing combinations that Stevenson mostly deflected with his defense. The crowd’s frustration grew as the fight progressed, leading to more boos as the final bell approached.
The Final Verdict
The fight ended without a knockout, with Harutyunyan surviving until the final bell. The judges’ scorecards reflected Stevenson’s clear victory, with scores of 119-109, 118-110, and 116-112. Although Stevenson retained his title, his performance did not completely silence critics or satisfy fans who hoped for a more decisive and exciting display.
Post-Fight Reflections and Future Prospects
After the fight, Stevenson expressed frustration with Harutyunyan’s strategy, stating, “It’s hard to prove you’re the best when your opponent isn’t trying to fight back. He was just trying to survive.” He acknowledged Harutyunyan’s toughness but felt that his opponent’s reluctance to engage made it difficult to deliver an impressive performance.
As Stevenson enters free agency, his future in boxing remains a topic of significant interest. While his skill and talent are undeniable, this fight raised questions about his ability to captivate audiences and become a major star in the sport. The next steps in his career will be crucial in determining his trajectory and impact in the boxing world.
Conclusion
Shakur Stevenson retained his WBC lightweight title with a clear victory over Artem Harutyunyan, but the fight left fans wanting more. His strategic and dominant performance showcased his skill, yet it also highlighted areas for improvement in terms of fan engagement and entertainment value. As Stevenson navigates his future as a free agent, his choices will play a critical role in shaping his legacy in the sport.
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