SHAKUR Stevenson returns dwelling tomorrow night to defend his WBC light-weight title towards Artem Harutyunyan within the Prudential Heart, Newark.
Initially, Shakur isn’t shopping for his opponent’s “keep humble” act. Harutyunyan has returned to the States utilizing the identical time-honoured methods frequently employed by Manny Pacquiao: grinning and complimenting his opponent earlier than unleashing the total power on them within the ring.
“I’m not falling for that. You’re making an attempt to behave actual humble and butter me up and act such as you’re probably not coming right here to win. No, you’re coming right here to win, bro. I already know. He doesn’t sound as assured as I believed he would sound. Hopefully, he’s coming to battle,” acknowledged Stevenson.
“I’m going to take him to a stage he’s by no means been on. I’m simply going to be myself. I’m going to come back out and present my expertise and present my ranges. I believe I’m among the best within the sport of boxing at hit and don’t get hit.
“There’s a sure method of doing that, and I need to present the followers that each one that shifting round is one thing I don’t actually must do. I can sit within the pocket and beat you up, too.”
Nonetheless a relative unknown, Harutyunyan no less than supplied 12 rounds of motion final July to offer followers a style of what he’s all about. He turned out to be an extremely sturdy and difficult buyer who gave Frank Martin all he may deal with in Las Vegas. On that event, ‘The Ghost’ prevailed on factors, preserved his unbeaten report, swerved Shakur Stevenson and ultimately earned a shot at Gervonta Davis.
Frank Martin at Wednesday’s closing press convention.
The latter occurred a couple of weeks in the past (on June 15) and Frank was bombed out in spherical eight. Harutyunyan is hoping to fare significantly better towards three-weight world champion Stevenson.
“I used to be born in Armenia, and I grew up in Germany. I’ve come all the way in which right here to battle Shakur Stevenson in his hometown. It’s a giant alternative for me. I’ll do my finest and provides an awesome battle,” he mentioned.
“I got here to Las Vegas final 12 months. I used to be combating Frank Martin. It was an awesome battle. I do know Frank Martin is aware of he misplaced the battle. I advised everyone that I’d be again within the States. And now it’s occurred. I’m again right here.
“It’s an awesome alternative. I had an awesome coaching camp, and I’m nicely ready. I’m prepared for this battle. I do know Shakur Stevenson is an effective fighter. He’s a world champion. We each fought on the Olympic video games. He’s a silver medalist, and I’m a bronze medalist. Now we’re combating for the world championship.”