On April 8th, the New Jersey native Shakur Stevenson (19-0, 9 KO) will make his lightweight division debut against Shuichiro Yoshino (16-0, 12 KO) at the Prudential Center. Previously, Stevenson won titles at featherweight and junior lightweight. Stevenson admits he ended up taking Yoshino after he failed to reach an agreement with Issac Cruz, William Zepeda, and George Kambosos.
Naturally, Stevenson’s target was the WBC belt, however, this fight most likey will be sanctioned as an eliminator. Originally, the masses wanted Stevenson vs. Cruz, but Cruz’s team passed on the fight. Therefore, only Yoshino remainedto fight,appearing to be the only fighter wiling to accept a fight with Stevenson.
“I am taking over the lightweight division, and my run will start on April 8 in Newark. Shuichiro Yoshino is an undefeated fighter who was willing to step up and fight me when so many fighters were scared,” Stevenson said, “My last fight at the Prudential Center was just the start of what I’m building in Jersey. We are going to pack the Prudential Center again and show the world who the future of boxing really is.”
Stevenson’s Thoughts on Yoshino
Although Stevenson admits this wasn’t the initial fight he wanted, he still respects him and what he’s accomplished as a fighter. However, it’s been tough to gauge Yoshino based on his previous opponents. Prior to the fight, Stevenson continues to compliment his power and toughness, therefore acknowledging this won’t be an easy fight.
“We’ve gotta rate him off of his performance against Nakatani, being that Nakatani went 12 rounds with Teofimo, then he fought Lomachenko,” Stevenson said. “… We know he’s got power, we know he’s tough, and for him to beat that dude — and he beat Ito. It let us know he’s solid.”
Some are considering this a pivotal fight for Stevenson as this will help determine his future and trajectory. At the moment, Stevenson is climbing the ladder to eventually compete with the elites at the lightweight division. However, in the process, he’s slowly becoming one of the most exciting and prolific fighters in the business.
“Shakur Stevenson is one of the most gifted fighters I’ve had the pleasure of promoting, and I look forward to seeing him once again fight in front of his incredible hometown fans in Newark,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Yoshino is a tough fighter and won’t be deterred by the hostile crowd.”
 will make his lightweight division debut against Shuichiro Yoshino (16-0, 12 KO) at the Prudential Center.){kind=link}