NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 22: Shakur Stevenson (L) and Robson Conceição (R) pose in the course of the weigh in forward of their WBC and WBO junior light-weight championship battle at Prudential Middle on September 22, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. (Picture by Mikey Williams/High Rank Inc by way of Getty Pictures)
Undefeated junior light-weight champion Shakur Stevenson vacates his titles by failing to make weight.
What was purported to be a grand homecoming for 25-year-old Shakur Stevenson (18-0) from Newark, NJ, shortly became an uncomfortable state of affairs. The unified junior light-weight was purported to defend his titles in opposition to Robson Conceicao (17-1) on Friday evening reside from the Prudential Middle in Newark, NJ.
This afternoon, whereas Conceicao got here in at a prepared 129.6, Stevenson weighed in at 131.6, which is over the 130-pound weight restrict. In the intervening time of lacking weight, Stevenson was suggested by the New Jersey State Athletic Fee that he had two hours to return throughout the junior light-weight restrict. After a while, Stevenson determined to not make the burden and, as an alternative, vacated his WBO and WBC junior light-weight titles.
Stevenson went on social media to deal with his followers in regards to the present state of affairs. He stated, “I gave it my all. I’ve been skilled my complete profession and made weight, however my physique simply can’t make 130 anymore. My well being has to return first. I’m shifting as much as 135 in my subsequent battle.” Stevenson was all the time seen as the larger man within the weight courses he competed and even at junior light-weight, it appeared like he was struggling to make it.
Shakur Stevenson faces Robson Conceicao reside, this Friday on ESPN, ESPN+ & ESPN Deportes at 10pm.
Actuality settles in for everybody, and Stevenson ignoring his rising physique has value him the 2 titles he gained in that division. Though the battle will go on tomorrow evening, Stevenson is headed to the light-weight division to hitch the likes of Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, and extra, so there isn’t a scarcity of expertise to compete in opposition to. This sequence of occasions will tarnish the homecoming battle tomorrow evening, however these eager to see Stevenson could not care as he’s a rising star within the sport who will probably be part of some huge fights sooner or later.
