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WBC lightweight title challenger Artem Harutyunyan is hoping to impress when he fights the gifted Shakur Stevenson in Newark.
Stevenson defends his belt in the final bout of his promotional deal with Top Rank, and Harutyunyan has another shot at the big time after losing a close decision to Frank Martin in Las Vegas last July.
The 33-year-old challenger, who holds a 12-1 (7 KOs) record, was dropped in what turned out to be the decisive final round against Martin but is ready to take center stage at the Prudential Center on Saturday.
“I’m happy to be here in Newark,” said Harutyunyan. “I was born in Armenia and live in Germany and I came all the way up here to fight Shakur Stevenson’s hometown. It’s a big opportunity for me, and I will do my best and show a great fight.”
Harutyunyan has been training in the US for the past month, and he was sure he had done enough against Martin to land another big fight.
“I came to Vegas last year, I was fighting Frank Martin, it was a great fight,” he explained. “I know Frank Martin knows he lost the fight and I told everybody I will be back in the States and now it’s happened, I’m back here. It’s a great chance. I did a great training camp. I’m well prepared and I’m ready for this fight.
“I know Shakur Stevenson is a good fighter, he’s a world champion, we both fought at the Olympic games. He’s a silver medalist and I am bronze and now we fight for the world championship – the WBC. Everyone wants to see Shakur Stevenson lose. Many people say he’s boring, but it’s his style and it works. I’m happy to be here. I want to show all the fans and the boxing fans that I can give him a good fight.”
Harutyunyan made fun of the criticism Stevenson has received for failing to dazzle in some fights, notably last time out against Edwin De Los Santos in November in a drab contest.
“Some people say I should wear running shoes in this fight – it’s just a joke,” Harutyunyan smiled. “Many fighters don’t want to fight with him [Stevenson], someone said they’re all ducking, but I want to make this fight happen. He’s a good fighter.
“Give him the respect, the credit he deserves. This is going to be a great night and I want to show the fans a good boxing match.”