Shakur Stevenson vs. Artem Harutyunyan: Live round-by-round updates

Shakur Stevenson vs. Artem Harutyunyan will go down later this evening at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, with Stevenson's WBC lightweight title on the line.

Stevenson (21-0) is seen as one of the top fighters at 135 pounds. He is a former featherweight and super featherweight champion with wins against the likes of Robson Conceicao, Oscar Valdez, and Jamel Herring among others.

The 27-year-old would be hoping to register a dominant win over Harutyunyan this weekend, especially since his last fight against Edwin De Los Santos was widely criticized for an abysmal level of activity.

Meanwhile, Harutyunyan (12-1) is coming into the fight off his only career loss to Frank Martin.

While 'The Original' has clinched the International versions of the WBC and IBO belts in the past, he is yet to win a major world title. At 33 years of age, the upcoming fight is all the more crucial to him.

According to a report by Forbes, Stevenson is a -3500 favorite for the match-up, with 'The Original' as a +1300 underdog.

Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from Stevenson vs. Harutyunyan.

Watch Shakur Stevenson and Artem Harutyunyan's final face-off below:

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Shakur Stevenson vs. Artem Harutyunyan

Round 1

Harutyunyan is on the front foot putting the pace as he forces the champion to the corner. Both fighters have yet to throw any significant punches. The German seems to be figuring out his range on Stevenson, employing both jabs and straight punches.

Stevenson seems to be taking the round off trying to get a read on his opponent.

Noting much to separate the pair. However, the higher level of activity might sway the judges to score the round in the challenger's favor.

Round 2

Stevenson digs to the body with a quick punch. There has not been much activity so far in the second round as both fighters are still trying to figure out each other's rhythm.

'The Original' backs his foe up to the corner, but the champion quickly ties him up and gets out of danger. 'The Original' is showing great head movement keeping the champ guessing and keeping his output to a minimum.

Round 3

'The Original' employs a three-punch combo but fails to land any. Boos are arising from the crowd as the fighters are doing little in terms of offense. A body shot lands for the German, perhaps the most significant punch of the round. The champion employs a feint jab and follows it up with a straight punch.

Stevenson throws lazy jabs that fail to hit the target. The challenger lands a few shots on the champion, albeit with little effect.

With an abysmal level of activity, this fight is becoming awfully similar to Stevenson's highly criticized clash with Edwin De Los Santos.

Round 4

The champion connects on the inside with a body shot. Stevenson is on the front foot. He peppers his opponent with a multi-punch combo. 'The Original' is committing his attention to his opponent's midsection, constantly digging with body shots.

A crisp one-two lands for the challenger. Stevenson connects with an accurate straight punch to finish out the round.

Another round in the bag for Stevenson.

Round 5

Stevenson is on the front foot, intending to walk his opponent down. 'The Original' is still committed to body shots. Double left hooks from the clinch land for the southpaw Stevenson.

The champion seems to have found his rhythm and has upped his output. A crushing body shot lands for Stevenson.

'The Original' seems to be a bit frustrated and has seemingly started headhunting.

A great round for the champion.

Round 6

A sly uppercut from range lands for Stevenson. 'The Original' employs a lot of feints but fails to elicit a reaction from his opponent. Stevenson is standing right in from of Harutyunyan. He lands a multi-punch combo. A body shot seems to have hurt the challenger.

The German is slowing down, he is not bouncing around the ring as he was in the initial rounds. The body shots from the champion seem to have left his opponent a bit winded.

Another strong round by Stevenson.

Round 7

The champion is not backing up anymore and his ring IQ is becoming more and more apparent. But 'The Original' is not going anywhere.

Round 8

'The Original' is employing straight punches as he backs up from his opponent. The champion is peppering his foe with short and crisp combinations. Stevenson is walking his opponent down but the 'The Original' is effectively circling out of range for now.

The referee momentarily stops the fight for possible rabbit punches. As the action continues the champion connects on his opponent, and a sly smile appears on Stevenson's face, almost as if he is taunting 'The Original'.

Round 9

Setevnson hits his opponent with a quick one-two. The champion is clearly dominating the fight. It seems like Stevenson is now on the hunt for a finish. 'The Original's' defense is still relatively holding up but this output has diminished severely.

The German connects with a multi-punch combo as if he is letting the champion know that he is still in the fight. A body shot elicits a reaction out of 'The Orginal'. He is one survival mode. Stevenson employs body shots and quickly goes up top.

An accidental low blow momentarily stops the action. As the fight restarts, 'The Original' tries to punch his way out of danger.

Round 9 is all Stevenson.

Round 10

An uppercut on the inside lands for 'The Original'. Harutyunyan is still in the fight. However, Stevenson is clearly superior skill-wise. The champion seems least bothered by his opponent's offensive efforts.

Stevenson seems to be employing a Philly shell as he effortlessly deals with his opponent's jabs and right hand with shoulder rolls. 'The Original' misses with an uppercut.

A close round.

Round 11

Stevenson catches his opponents with a counter left hand. 'The Original' senses he needs a knockout and is now throwing each of his shots with intent.

However, the German seems to be a lot faded compared to the initial rounds and the champion could very well take him out if he increases his output. Stevenson digs with a body shot.

Boos from the crowd become more and more audible. Stevenson might need a finish to win back the spectators. The champion is still connecting, almost at will at this point but the punches lack any real power to trouble his foe.

Round 12

Stevenson is on the front foot. The champion seems to be hunting for a knockout. However 'The Original's' defense and footwork are still holding up as he mostly evades the champ's onslaught, while also managing to fire back occasionally.

A left hook to the head lands for Stevenson. The champion is trying to land something significant in the closing seconds but fails to produce anything worthy of a highlight reel.

Stay tuned for the official decision.

Official Decision: Shakur Stevenson def. Artem Harutyunyan via unanimous decision. (119-109, 118-110,116-112)