Artem Harutyunyan aiming to impress against Shakur Stevenson

WBC light-weight title challenger Artem Harutyunyan is hoping to impress when he fights the gifted Shakur Stevenson in Newark.

Stevenson defends his belt within the last bout of his promotional take care of High Rank, and Harutyunyan has one other shot on the massive time after shedding an in depth resolution to Frank Martin in Las Vegas final July.

The 33-year-old challenger, who holds a 12-1 (7 KOs) report, was dropped in what turned out to be the decisive last spherical in opposition to Martin however is able to take heart stage on the Prudential Heart on Saturday.

“I’m completely happy to be right here in Newark,” stated Harutyunyan. “I used to be born in Armenia and dwell in Germany and I got here all the best way up right here to struggle Shakur Stevenson’s hometown. It’s an enormous alternative for me, and I’ll do my finest and present an ideal struggle.”

Harutyunyan has been coaching within the US for the previous month, and he was positive he had completed sufficient in opposition to Martin to land one other massive struggle.

“I got here to Vegas final 12 months, I used to be preventing Frank Martin, it was an ideal struggle,” he defined. “I do know Frank Martin is aware of he misplaced the struggle and I instructed everyone I shall be again within the States and now it’s occurred, I’m again right here. It’s an ideal likelihood. I did an ideal coaching camp. I’m nicely ready and I’m prepared for this struggle.

“I do know Shakur Stevenson is an efficient fighter, he’s a world champion, we each fought on the Olympic video games. He’s a silver medalist and I’m bronze and now we struggle for the world championship – the WBC. Everybody needs to see Shakur Stevenson lose. Many individuals say he’s boring, nevertheless it’s his fashion and it really works. I’m completely happy to be right here. I wish to present all of the followers and the boxing followers that I can provide him struggle.”

Harutyunyan made enjoyable of the criticism Stevenson has obtained for failing to dazzle in some fights, notably final trip in opposition to Edwin De Los Santos in November in a colorless contest.

“Some folks say I ought to put on trainers on this struggle – it’s only a joke,” Harutyunyan smiled. “Many fighters don’t wish to struggle with him [Stevenson], somebody stated they’re all ducking, however I wish to make this struggle occur. He’s fighter.

“Give him the respect, the credit score he deserves. That is going to be an ideal evening and I wish to present the followers boxing match.”