"Most hated man in the sport" - Shakur Stevenson issues post-win statement, pays respect to Artem Harutyunyan

Shakur Stevenson recently released a post-fight statement following his win against Artem Harutyunyan. In the statement, Stevenson expressed his admiration for Harutyunyan for putting up an impressive performance against him.

Stevenson made his first WBC lightweight title defense against Harutyunyan on July 6. The event took place at the Prudential Center in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey.

Stevenson's style has been criticized for being dull, yet he was able to keep control of the fight and frustrate Harutyunyan with his better technique. The fight went 12 rounds, and the 27-year-old won by unanimous decision.

The judges scored the fight 119-109, 118-110, and 116-112 in favor of Stevenson, who dominated the bout with his counterpunches and strong defense. He recently took to social media and issued a post-win statement, while admiring his opponent:

''Most hated man in the sport I appreciate yall for it thank u.. Much respect to Artem he came in shape and did what he could last night I respect it.. S\O to the ones who support me fr Yall the ones who keep me going we still undefeated and it’s gone stay that way! Tell your fav fighters jump in the ring since I’m not like that I’ll be ready and waiting Thank u all for the good and the bad. #ChasingGreatness''

According to reports, Stevenson declined a five-fight contract deal with Top Rank, which would have secured him $3 million for each fight. Mike Coppinger of ESPN Ringside broke out the news on X, writing:

"Shakur Stevenson turned down a five-fight extension with Top Rank that would have guaranteed him $3 million per fight, sources tell ESPN. After another decision win, Stevenson is a free agent as he seeks the marquee bout that’s eluded him."

---

Shakur Stevenson wants Vasiliy Lomachenko next

Shakur Stevenson successfully defended his WBC lightweight title with a unanimous decision win over Artem Harutyunyan this past weekend.

It appears Stevenson has set his eyes on IBF lightweight champion Vasiliy Lomachenko. During the post-fight press conference, the 27-year-old called out the Ukrainian, saying:

''Tell Loma to fight me. Wouldn't that be a fun fight? We'll step into the ring and try to beat each other. If it's made, it will be a cool fight. Technically, it should be a good fight. Many are saying Lomachenko would beat him, he wouldn't be able to stop this guy. Maybe many don't believe in me. So why not make this fight? But he doesn't want to fight.''

Check out Shakur Stevenson's comments below (6:15):