Shakur Stevenson vs. Artem Harutyunyan: Fight Odds, Live Stream, Predictions

Shakur Stevenson is back in action Saturday night defending his WBC lightweight championship against Artem Harutyunyan in his home state of New Jersey.

The fight will be Stevenson's first title defense and his first appearance since a brief retirement in January.

The 26-year-old will take on a massive underdog in Artem Harutyunyan. The former Olympic bronze medalist is actually coming off his first loss as a pro. He dropped a unanimous decision to Frank Martin nearly a year ago.

The Top Rank card also features Keyshawn Davis and WBC junior lightweight champion O'Shaquie Foster. The latter will defend his belt against Robson Conceicao.

Here's a look at all the info you need to catch the card along with a preview and prediction for the main event.

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Fight Info and Odds

When: Saturday, July 6 at 8 p.m. ET (main event ringwalks approximately 11 p.m. ET)

Where: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey

Live Stream: ESPN+

Tickets: Vivid Seats

Odds: Stevenson -3000 (wager $3,000 to win $100); Harutyyan +1300 ($100 wager to win $1,300)

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

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Preview

There's only one loss among both of these fighters, but there's a reason that Stevenson is a massive favorite.

He has compiled a 21-0 record and already captured world titles at featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight. He was not as impressive as his last time out, but he has good wins over Jamel Herring, Shuichiro Yoshino and Robson Conceicao.

Harutyunyan has primarily built his 12-1 record through winning and retaining international titles in multiple weight classes. Frank Martin has been his best opponent to date and he lost that fight.

One of the biggest storylines to watch is the pressure for Stevenson to put on a good performance in the final fight of his current contract with Top Rank.

"Bob Arum is basically trying to say 'Top Rank or nothing' and basically trying to say that I don't have any other options but Top Rank. Like, go see the market and come back to us," Stevenson told Manouk Akopyan of BoxingScene.

If Stevenson's goal is to become a real star in a loaded lightweight division then he has to put on a show against the likes of Harutyunyan.

There are huge fights and major paydays available in the lightweight division, but his performance against Edwin De Los Santos isn't going to make him an attraction. De Los Santos had a very conservative gameplan and Stevenson wouldn't take the initiative to fight off the front foot.

If Stevenson wants fights against the likes of Gervonta Davis or Vasiliy Lomachenko then he has to win and win in style in fights like Saturday night.

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Prediction

Ultimately, Stevenson should do just that. This matchup is much more kind to him than De Los Santos. While his previous opponent was hesitant to lead the dance, Harutyunyan is a more aggressive fighter.

The German was aggressive to a fault against Frank Martin. He brought the fight to the American but also left himself vulnerable to counters. Martin was able to pick him off with regularity and his counterpunching carried his performance.

Stevenson is an even better counterpuncher than Martin. His defense, quickness and mobility should carry the day and the added incentive to prove his worth before hitting free agency should be enough to accelerate the whole process.

Prediction: Stevenson via eighth-round TKO