Shakur Stevenson Stripped of Titles After Missing Weight
Conceicao to Fight for Vacant Belts
Stevenson Loses Titles on Technicality
American boxer Shakur Stevenson has been stripped of his WBO and WBC junior lightweight titles after failing to make weight for his scheduled fight against Robson Conceicao on Saturday night. Stevenson weighed in at 131.8 pounds, 1.8 pounds over the 130-pound limit for the fight. As a result, Stevenson has been stripped of his titles and will not be eligible to win them back in Saturday's fight. Conceicao will now fight for the vacant titles against Jose Ramirez, who weighed in at 130 pounds.
Stevenson, who is 18-0 as a professional, had been a heavy favorite to defeat Conceicao. However, his failure to make weight has cost him the chance to unify the junior lightweight division. Stevenson had been scheduled to fight Conceicao for the WBO title in September 2022, but the fight was postponed after Stevenson suffered a hand injury. Stevenson then fought and defeated Edwin De Los Santos in December 2022, before agreeing to face Conceicao for the vacant WBO and WBC titles on Saturday.
The loss of his titles is a major setback for Stevenson, who is considered one of the brightest young stars in boxing. Stevenson is still undefeated as a professional, but he will need to work his way back up the rankings to earn another shot at a world title. Conceicao, who is 17-1 as a professional, will now have the opportunity to become a world champion for the first time. Conceicao is a skilled boxer with a good chin, and he will be a tough opponent for Ramirez.
The fight between Conceicao and Ramirez is expected to be a close and competitive contest. Both fighters are evenly matched, and either one could win. The fight will be televised live on ESPN, and it is sure to be a memorable event.
Comments