Shakur Stevenson misses weight and vacates titles

Undefeated junior lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson vacates his titles by failing to make weight.

What was supposed to be a grand homecoming for 25-year-old Shakur Stevenson (18-0) from Newark, NJ, quickly turned into an uncomfortable situation. The unified junior lightweight was supposed to defend his titles against Robson Conceicao (17-1) on Friday night live from the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

This afternoon, while Conceicao came in at a ready 129.6, Stevenson weighed in at 131.6, which is over the 130-pound weight limit. At the moment of missing weight, Stevenson was advised by the New Jersey State Athletic Commission that he had two hours to come within the junior lightweight limit. After some time, Stevenson decided not to make the weight and, instead, vacated his WBO and WBC junior lightweight titles.

Stevenson went on social media to address his fans about the current situation. He said, “I gave it my all. I’ve been professional my whole career and made weight, but my body just can’t make 130 anymore. My health has to come first. I’m moving up to 135 in my next fight.” Stevenson was always seen as the bigger guy in the weight classes he competed and even at junior lightweight, it seemed like he was struggling to make it.

Shakur Stevenson faces Robson Conceicao live, this Friday on ESPN, ESPN+ & ESPN Deportes at 10pm.

Reality settles in for everyone, and Stevenson ignoring his growing body has cost him the two titles he won in that division. Although the fight will go on tomorrow night, Stevenson is headed to the lightweight division to join the likes of Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, and more, so there is no shortage of talent to compete against. This sequence of events will tarnish the homecoming fight tomorrow night, but those wanting to see Stevenson may not care as he is a rising star in the sport who will be a part of some big fights in the future.