SHAKUR Stevenson returns home tomorrow evening to defend his WBC lightweight title against Artem Harutyunyan at the Prudential Center in Newark.
First and foremost, Shakur doesn't buy his opponent's “stay humble” act. Harutyunyan returned to the United States using the time-honored tactics used by Manny Pacquiao: laughing and complimenting his opponent before unleashing full force on them in the ring.
“I don't like that. You try to be really condescending and boo me and act like you're not really here to win. No, you will win, bro. I already know. He doesn't sound as confident as I thought he would. I hope he comes to fight,” said Stevenson.
“I will take him to a level he has never been to. I'll just be me. I will go public and show my ability and show my standards. I think I'm one of the best in the sport of no-nonsense boxing.
“There's a certain way to do that, and I want to show the fans that all this walking around is something I shouldn't do. I can also sit in the pocket and beat you.”
Still a relative unknown, Harutyunyan at least gave 12 rounds of action last July to give fans a taste of what he is like. He became a long-time and tricky customer who gave Frank Martin everything he could in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, 'The Ghost' won on points, kept his undefeated record, routed Shakur Stevenson and finally got a shot at Gervonta Davis.
Frank Martin at Wednesday's final press conference.
The latter happened a few weeks ago (June 15) and Frank was bombed in the eighth round. Harutyunyan hopes to do better against threeweight world champion Stevenson.
“I was born in Armenia and grew up in Germany. I came here to fight Shakur Stevenson in his hometown. It is a great opportunity for me. I will do my best and fight a big fight,” he said.
“I came to Las Vegas last year. I was fighting Frank Martin. It was a big fight. I know Frank Martin knows he lost the battle. I told everyone I was going back to the States. And now it has happened. I'm back here.
“This is a great opportunity. I had a good training camp, and I prepared well. I am ready for this fight. I know Shakur Stevenson is a good fighter. He is a world champion. We both fought in the Olympics. He got a silver medal, and I got a bronze medal. Now we are fighting for the world title.”
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