Date: July 6, 2024
Time: 8:00 PM ET
How to Watch: Exclusively on ESPN+
Tonight, boxing fans are in for a treat as some of the sport’s brightest stars take the ring in a night packed with high-stakes matchups. From title defenses to rising contenders looking to make their mark, the card is set to deliver thrilling action from start to finish. Here’s an in-depth look at the fighters, their histories, and our expert predictions.
Main Event: Shakur Stevenson vs. Artem Harutyunyan
Shakur Stevenson (21-0, 12 KOs)
Artem Harutyunyan (12-1, 7 KOs)
Shakur Stevenson returns to his hometown of Newark to defend his WBC lightweight title against Artem Harutyunyan. Stevenson, an Olympic silver medalist, has quickly risen through the ranks, becoming a champion in multiple weight classes. Known for his defensive prowess and ring IQ, Stevenson has dismantled opponents with ease, showcasing why many consider him a future pound-for-pound king.
Artem Harutyunyan, a bronze medalist at the 2016 Olympics, presents a unique challenge. The German fighter has power and aggression but has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in his loss to Frank Martin last year. Stevenson’s tactical style and experience at the highest level give him a significant edge in this bout.
Co-Main Event: O’Shaquie Foster vs. Robson Conceicao
O’Shaquie Foster (22-2, 12 KOs)
Robson Conceicao (18-2-1, 9 KOs)
O’Shaquie Foster defends his WBC super featherweight title against the experienced Robson Conceicao. Foster’s journey to the top has been marked by resilience, overcoming early career setbacks to become a formidable champion. His recent victories, including a dramatic win over Eduardo Hernandez, underline his ability to handle pressure and deliver under the spotlight.
Conceicao, Brazil’s first Olympic boxing gold medalist, has had mixed results at the professional level. His fights against top-tier opponents like Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez have shown his toughness, but inconsistency has plagued his career. Foster’s superior skill set and recent form make him the favorite in this matchup.
Tonight’s Picks
| Fight | Predicted Winner | Confidence in Predicted Winner | Will the Fight Go the Distance? | Confidence in Distance Prediction | Summary/Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shakur Stevenson (c) vs. Artem Harutyunyan | Shakur Stevenson | High (90%) | Yes | Medium (75%) | Stevenson is a technically superior fighter with an undefeated record and experience in multiple weight classes. Harutyunyan has shown vulnerabilities against high-caliber opponents like Frank Martin. |
| O’Shaquie Foster (c) vs. Robson Conceicao | O’Shaquie Foster | High (85%) | Yes | Medium (70%) | Foster has been on an impressive streak, showing resilience and skill in title defenses. Conceicao, while experienced, has had inconsistent performances against top fighters. |
| Keyshawn Davis vs. Miguel Madueno | Keyshawn Davis | Medium (70%) | No | Medium (60%) | Davis’s speed and technical ability give him an edge, though Madueno’s power makes him a dangerous opponent. Davis’s recent form suggests he can handle Madueno’s aggression. |
| William Foster III vs. Eridson Garcia | William Foster III | Medium (65%) | Yes | High (80%) | Both fighters are evenly matched, but Foster’s aggressive approach and recent performances give him a slight edge. Expect a close fight likely going the distance. |
| Kelvin Davis vs. Kevin Johnson | Kelvin Davis | High (80%) | Yes | Medium (65%) | Davis’s undefeated record and knockout power make him the favorite. Johnson has shown skill but may struggle against Davis’s intensity. |
| Abdullah Mason vs. Luis Lebron | Abdullah Mason | High (85%) | No | High (80%) | Mason’s knockout power and unbeaten record suggest a dominant performance. Lebron has experience but is unlikely to withstand Mason’s offensive onslaught. |
| Ali Feliz vs. Robinson Perez | Ali Feliz | High (75%) | No | Medium (70%) | Feliz’s aggressive style and power make him the favorite against Perez, who has struggled against high-power opponents. |
| Keith Colon vs. Hunter Turbyfill | Keith Colon | Medium (65%) | Yes | High (75%) | Colon’s technical skills and ring generalship give him an advantage in what is expected to be a tactical bout likely going the distance. |
In-Depth Analysis
Shakur Stevenson vs. Artem Harutyunyan
Stevenson’s career has been a testament to his exceptional boxing IQ and defensive mastery. With a perfect 21-0 record, Stevenson has methodically outclassed opponents, leveraging his speed and precision. His unanimous decision win over Edwin De Los Santos to claim the WBC lightweight title showcased his dominance at this weight class.
Harutyunyan, while talented, faces an uphill battle. His performance against Frank Martin revealed some defensive lapses that Stevenson is likely to exploit. Harutyunyan’s aggression and power could pose problems, but Stevenson’s ability to control the pace and distance of the fight should see him through to another victory.
O’Shaquie Foster vs. Robson Conceicao
Foster’s ascent in the super featherweight division has been marked by notable victories and a growing reputation for resilience. His dramatic win over Eduardo Hernandez in 2023’s Fight of the Year highlighted his capacity to deliver in high-pressure situations. Foster’s clean, effective punching and tactical acumen make him a tough opponent for Conceicao.
Conceicao, despite his Olympic pedigree, has struggled for consistency. His recent draw against Emanuel Navarrete and loss to Stevenson indicate challenges in stepping up to elite competition. Foster’s sharper skills and better form make him the clear favorite, though Conceicao’s toughness ensures he won’t go down easily.
Keyshawn Davis vs. Miguel Madueno
Keyshawn Davis, an Olympic silver medalist, has quickly transitioned from prospect to contender. His clean, powerful punching and defensive skills have seen him dominate opponents. Despite a brief setback with a no-contest ruling, Davis’s return against former champion Jose Pedraza reaffirmed his potential as a future star.
Miguel Madueno, with an impressive 31-2 record and a high knockout rate, brings power and aggression. However, his losses to technically proficient fighters like Steve Claggett highlight a potential vulnerability against Davis’s skillful style. Expect Davis to outbox Madueno, utilizing his speed and precision to secure a stoppage.
William Foster III vs. Eridson Garcia
William Foster III and Eridson Garcia present an intriguing matchup of evenly matched fighters. Foster’s aggressive approach and knockout power have earned him a solid record, while Garcia’s resilience and experience make him a tough opponent. This fight is likely to go the distance, with Foster’s slight edge in recent performances possibly giving him the win.
Kelvin Davis vs. Kevin Johnson
Kelvin Davis, with an undefeated record and significant knockout power, is the favorite against Kevin Johnson. Davis’s recent victories have showcased his ability to dominate and finish fights. Johnson, though skilled, may struggle against Davis’s relentless pressure and power, making a distance fight more likely.
Abdullah Mason vs. Luis Lebron
Abdullah Mason, an unbeaten prospect with a high knockout rate, is set to continue his impressive run against Luis Lebron. Mason’s power and offensive prowess have overwhelmed previous opponents, and Lebron, despite his experience, is likely to face a similar fate. Expect Mason to secure another stoppage win.
Ali Feliz vs. Robinson Perez
Ali Feliz’s aggressive style and knockout power position him as the favorite against Robinson Perez. Perez has struggled against powerful opponents, and Feliz’s ability to press the action and land heavy shots will likely lead to a stoppage.
Keith Colon vs. Hunter Turbyfill
Keith Colon’s technical skills and ring generalship make him the favorite in this tactical bout. Turbyfill’s determination and grit ensure a competitive fight, but Colon’s superior boxing ability should see him through to a decision win.
Stay tuned for an exciting night of boxing, and don’t miss any of the action by tuning in to ESPN+ at 8:00 PM ET. Let us know your predictions in the comments below!