Two of the pillars of Top Rank’s future as boxing promoter will be featured on the April 8th ESPN card on April 8th headlined by Shakur Stevenson making his lightweight debut against Shuichiro Yoshino, in Newark, New Jersey.
Jared Anderson is the most promising heavyweight from the United States, since the 2008 Olympic Bronze medalist, Deontay Wilder. Anderson has won all of his fights by knockout, but most impressively it has been his ability to entertain the fans with unique walkouts ranging from humorous to insightful speaking on social issues, that has made Anderson standout in the modern era, beyond just being a great modern heavyweight.
“This is the kind of fight I’ve been waiting for, a big fight between two undefeated heavyweights,” said Anderson via a press release about this fight. “I’m excited to once again be fighting on the same card as Shakur Stevenson. Don’t miss this fight. April 8 is going to a special night in Newark.”
Opening the card will be the U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis, as he will face another step-up in competition as he is pitted against Anthony Yigit, in a ten-round bout.
“The Newark fans showed me so much love last time, and I can’t wait to give them another special performance. I’m going to make Yigit regret taking this fight,” said Keyshawn Davis. “He’s been in the ring with some good fighters, but I’m on another level.”
Obviously, the crowd will be a homecoming for Shakur Stevenson, the two-division world champion looking to become the #1 contender for the WBC title at the lightweight division in his hometown.
“I am taking over the lightweight division and my run will start on April 8 in Newark,” said Stevenson, who is currently not ranked at 130 or 135 pounds by The Ring. “Shuichiro Yoshino is an undefeated fighter who was willing to step up and fight me when so many fighters were scared. My last fight at the Prudential Center was just the start of what I’m building in Jersey,” said Stevenson. “We are going to pack the Prudential Center again and show the world who the future of boxing really is.”