Shakur Stevenson’s homecoming didn’t go exactly as planned.
The WBC lightweight champion easily defended his belt with a unanimous decision victory against Artem Harutyunyan at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday night.
However, some fans decided they’d seen enough midway through the fight.
Boos were heard early on as Stevenson boxed tactically against Harutyunyan, who managed to go the distance despite being outmatched.
By the championship rounds, some fans decided to make an early exit.
Footage from inside the venue showing people flooding out of the arena was shared on social media by fans, who also commented on Stevenson receiving boos despite fighting in his hometown.
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After securing 119-109, 118-110 and 116-112 scorecards from the ringside officials, Stevenson blamed his latest lacklustre fight on Harutyunyan, who he claimed didn’t come to win.
“He was just trying to make sure he survived,” Stevenson said.
“I would’ve wanted him to try a little harder so it could be a more fun fight.
“I did everything I could to get him out of there too.”
“I think the boos were because of him, he didn’t really try to make a fight.”
Stevenson was wearing a T-shirt with the faces of his now-former promoter, Bob Arum, and IBF lightweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko on the front.
It had a message on the back, which read: “Bob is saving his son from this ass-whooping.”
After officially becoming one of the hottest free agents in boxing, Stevenson called for big fights as he believes better opponents will bring out the best of him.
“I wanna fight the best fighters in boxing,” he said.
“That’s how you’re going to get the best version of me when you put me in the ring with somebody else that wants to fight back and compete.”
Stevenson won’t be short of big fight offers as a 27-year-old three-weight world champion with a perfect 22-0 record.
Only time will tell who will be promoting his next boxing bout.
News Summary:
- Shakur Stevenson booed as hometown fans leave early during lacklustre points win over Artem Harutyunyan
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