Former Super Featherweight world champion Shakur Stevenson (19-0, 9 KO’s) beat Robson Conceição (17-2, 8 KO’s) soundly by unanimous decision in their bout on Friday, September 23. With Stevenson having lost his titles after their weigh-in, only Conceição was eligible to win the same titles.
Having weighed in on Thursday at 131.6, the weight difference didn’t seem to make too much of a difference in the fight, but Stevenson nonetheless put in another masterclass in boxing as he proved his talent in the ring. Throughout the majority of the fight, Stevenson was in control, effectively blocking and evading shots from his Brazilian opponent while counter attacking and pressuring Conceição accordingly. Conceição seemed to be incapable of pushing through Shakur Stevenson’s defense.
Though Stevenson seemed to have the same problems breaking through, his tenacity, cleverness and stamina eventually made him take most – if not all – of the rounds. Conceição started off strong in the first round, but eventually succumbed the rest of the rounds to Stevenson’s greater efforts. Nevertheless, Conceição managed to ward off most attempts of the younger American to finish him – displaying his own toughness and resilience – and even fighting through Shakur’s ruthless and effective body punches in the first half of the fight.
But the Brazilian didn’t put in the expected level of activity to shake off his pre-match status as the underdog. Shakur Stevenson eventually won the fight on the judges’ scorecards by unanimous decision, netting a score of 117-109 by two judges, and 118-108 through a third.
This victory marks the 19th win in Stevenson’s still-unbeaten career. He now stands at the precipice of facing any of the top boxers in the Lightweight division.
“I’m just a dominant individual.” Stevenson said when faced in-ring with the question on his social media messages signaling himself ready to fight at 135 pounds.
Shakur Stevenson proceeded to heavily entertain the idea of fighting at the 135 lbs weight limit at the post-presser of his bout with Conceição: “I think (that) whoever I fight, is going to be a big fight. Whoever I fight as far as anyone in the Lightweight division, it’s all big names, but I’m ready to fight whoever. I’m with it. Whoever they want to put in front of me, I’m with that.”
“Devin Haney is clearly the top guy at 135. He got all the belts, and anybody that say otherwise is definitely hating on him.” Stevenson continued after a question on who he considered to be the top boxer in the Lightweight division.
While Devin Haney is currently set to defend his titles as the Undisputed champion of the Lightweight division against George Kambosos Jr. on October 16, Lomachenko’s next fight will also be in October (29th) when he will face Cuban prospect Jamaine Ortiz. Other prospective fighters such as Teófimo López and Isaac Cruz offer Stevenson a quick road towards a world title fight, should he truly decide to move up, while Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia are also worthy potential opponents – regardless of whether they fight one another or not.
