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Shakur Stevenson Outclasses Conceicao: Results, Report And Video Highlights

Written by Kerr Ferguson on 24th September 2022.

Shakur Stevenson against Conceicao

Despite the headlines being focused on Shakur Stevenson losing his titles on the scales, the Newark boxer put on a masterclass against Robson Conceicao in his hometown of Newark.

The American, who came in 1.6lb overweight for the fight and therefore forfeited his unified belts, displayed what he’s known for – pinpoint accuracy, an incredible judgement of range and lightning-quick combinations.

In amongst the dominance, the 25-year-old fighter scored a knockdown in round 4. At first glance, it looked like Conceicao had taken a knee either by his own will or from Stevenson leaning. The slow motion replay, however, revealed a swift body shot that looked to be the cause.

The Brazilian deserves some credit for coming forward, at least in the early stages of the fight. The strategy played into Stevenson’s hands though, whose counter work was top class and allowed him to score seemingly at will.

Conceicao started looking for one big shot, which was futile against a fighter with defence like Stevenson’s. If Shakur’s preparation for the fight wasn’t perfect, his performance in the ring almost was – however he let his frustration get the better of him on occasion, including in the 9th by throwing his opponent to the floor from a clinch, a move that was more judo than boxing.

A point deduction for that helped Conceicao’s tally in theory, although it was a drop in an ocean otherwise swelling with Stevenson’s impressive work. Dominance is the word, with the final scorecards reading 117-109, 118-108 and 117-109 for the American southpaw.

The WBO, WBC and The Ring titles were only on the line for Robson Conceicao, so the result means they’re up for grabs for mandatories next. As reported by ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, the audience of 10,107 broke the record for attendance at Newark’s Prudential Center.

Stevenson, as he promised, looks to move up to lightweight to eventually face the likes of Vasily Lomachenko, Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, and Gervonta Davis. The now 19-0 star looks big in the ring and it’s easy to see the new weight adding to his game rather than detracting. Post fight, he put the division on notice before thanking his hometown fans.

“Everybody at 135 gotta get it. We gotta fight the champ. Me and Devin, we can lock it in after he fights Kambosos. I’ll fight Lomachenko, too.

It was a performance that, despite what the 135lb-ers might admit, should have them cautious.

You can watch full video highlights on the Top Rank Boxing YouTube channel.