Free agent Shakur Stevenson’s newest bout has been named the most-watched boxing principal occasion of the yr.
Regardless of complaints over the way of victory and wild accusations of a paid walkout, Stevenson can nonetheless appeal to a TV viewers. In response to revered boxing scribe Keith Idec, his latest WBC light-weight title protection towards Artem Harutyunyan peaked at over a million viewers.
Idec introduced on social media, “Shakur Stevenson vs. Artem Harutyunyan was the most-watched boxing principal occasion ESPN aired in 2024.
“The community’s common viewers was 1,180,000, peaking at 1,254,000. These Nielsen numbers don’t embody ESPN+ viewership, solely linear TV viewers. ESPN doesn’t launch ESPN+ figures,” he added.
Shakur Stevenson-Artem Harutyunyan was the most-watched boxing principal occasion ESPN aired in 2024. Common viewers on the community was 1,180,000. Peaked at 1,254,000. These Nielsen numbers don’t embody ESPN+ viewership, solely linear TV viewers. ESPN+ figures aren’t launched by ESPN.
— Keith Idec (@Idecboxing) July 9, 2024
Because the win, Stevenson has gone on a Twitter rampage, blasting High Rank and ESPN protection of his combat. He’s additionally gotten into it with celebrities and former boxers, as Stevenson is accused of being too delicate to criticism of his efficiency.
“Tim Bradley, one other sellout. ESPN writes his test, so he gone take heed to regardless of the higher-ups inform him to say. You had been truly was an honest fighter, however by the point my profession is over, I’ll have far more knockouts than you. Cease speaking such as you was [Mike] Tyson.”
Stevenson then went after the up to date ESPN Rankings. The 135-pound division noticed a shift regardless of Stevenson scoring a dominant victory. He was overtaken by William Zepeda, who secured a third-round knockout on the identical night time.
“Rankings must be based mostly on accomplishments too, and [Zepeda] has by no means received a world title in his life. I see you ingesting the juice now, too,” he informed an ESPN author as he blocked them.
Lastly, Stevenson revealed whose opinions he thought of when researching the response to his fights.
“Respect to Guys like Zab Judah, Adrien Broner, Paulie [Malignaggi], Bud Crawford and Andre Ward, and the goat Floyd Mayweather. These guys give me constructive criticism with out making an attempt to down me. I respect that loads.”
As a promotional free agent following the expiration of his High Rank contract, ideas now flip to the place Stevenson could find yourself. WBN understands that Mayweather Promotions and Matchroom Boxing prepared the ground in what could be a partnership take care of Shakur Stevenson Promotions.
Stevenson will affirm his subsequent transfer imminently.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Study extra concerning the writer, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Observe on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
