By Arthur Rooks Boxing Contributor 

Last night’s boxing event in Newark, New Jersey, was a mix of triumph and controversy, showcasing high-level skill and unexpected outcomes. Shakur Stevenson, Keyshawn Davis, and O’Shaquie Foster were the highlights of the night, with each fight delivering drama and excitement. Here’s a recap of the evening’s standout bouts.

Shakur Stevenson vs. Artem Harutyunyan

Shakur Stevenson reaffirmed his status as one of boxing’s brightest stars with a dominant performance against Artem Harutyunyan. From the opening bell, Stevenson’s superior technique and ring IQ were on full display. He controlled the pace, using his jab to perfection and landing crisp combinations that kept Harutyunyan on the defensive. Stevenson’s footwork was a thing of beauty, as he effortlessly maneuvered around the ring, making it difficult for Harutyunyan to mount any significant offense.

By the mid-rounds, Stevenson had established a comfortable lead, and he never looked back. The judges scored the fight unanimously in his favor, a testament to his dominance throughout the bout. With this victory, Stevenson continues to build his legacy, leaving fans eager for his next challenge.

Keyshawn Davis vs. Miguel Madueno

Keyshawn Davis showcased why he is one of the most promising young talents in boxing with a spectacular win over Miguel Madueno. Davis, known for his technical skills and explosive power, delivered a near-flawless performance. He started strong, using his speed and precision to outbox Madueno, who struggled to find answers to Davis’s relentless attack.

Davis’s ability to switch from offense to defense seamlessly was a sight to behold. He landed powerful shots that visibly shook Madueno, and by the later rounds, it was clear who the superior fighter was. In the eighth round, Davis delivered a stunning combination that sent Madueno to the canvas, securing a knockout victory. This win solidifies Davis’s position as a future star in the sport, with fans and analysts alike praising his exceptional talent.

O’Shaquie Foster vs. Robson Conceição

O’Shaquie Foster and Robson Conceição delivered a thrilling contest that ended in unexpected controversy. Foster appeared to dominate through 12 rounds with his aggressive style and effective power punches. When the judges’ official scorecards were revealed, they read 116-112 for Conceição, 116-112 for Foster, and 115-113 for Conceição, resulting in a shocking split-decision victory for the Brazilian. The result crowned Conceição the new WBC junior lightweight world champion.

Foster was visibly shocked by the decision, expressing his frustration to ESPN: “I thought it was a shutout. I thought it was an easy fight. I didn’t get touched but with a headbutt. I don’t know, man … they stole this fight from me.” Foster, now 22-3 with 12 KOs, vowed to return stronger, seeking a rematch to reclaim what he believes was unjustly taken. “I’ll be back. But I want the rematch. They stole this from me. I just wanted to show the world I could bang it out, and if I want to, I don’t have to get touched. I guess it wasn’t good enough for the judges.”

According to CompuBox statistics, Conceição landed only 10.8% of his punches (76 out of 701), while Foster connected with 25.1% of his shots (109 out of 435), including 33.7% of his power punches (58 out of 172). The fight was closely contested, with seven of the 12 rounds separated by three or fewer landed punches.