Shakur-Mania Hits Newark; Boxing Champ Returns To New Jersey

NEWARK, NJ — There’s no doubt that Shakur Stevenson is proud of where he comes from.

The Newark native was scheduled to defend his WBC, WBO and Ring Magazine championship belts against Robson Conceição of Brazil at the Prudential Center on Friday, although he reportedly weighed in above the class limit, which would place the titles in jeopardy. Regardless, it's a fight that had many boxing fans buzzing, especially in the Brick City, a place with a long history of pugilistic prowess.

Stevenson, a U.S. Olympian who captured a silver medal in 2016, has endeared himself to New Jersey’s largest city, which threw him a huge homecoming parade that year. Read More: The Kid Who Chased His Dream: U.S. Olympic Boxer Shakur Stevenson Returns Home

And if a recent social media post is any indication, the city still holds a special place in his heart.

“Newark this gone be so special for me,” the boxing phenom tweeted last week. “Sept 23rd [will be] a special night for us. I hope I can motivate all of y’all to do more!”

In the week leading up to the fight, Stevenson has been putting his celebrity status to work for the community. On Tuesday, he hosted a event at the Boylan Street Recreation Center, speaking with several dozen local kids about what it takes to become a world champion – and imparting a few boxing tips.

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But Newark can still surprise the champ, too.

On Wednesday, Stevenson got a surprise from some students and staff from his old alma mater: Quitman Street School. Superintendent Roger León, Principal Courtney Johnson and several students joined him on stage during a press conference at the Prudential Center, presenting him with a personalized, framed Quitman Street School t-shirt.

“Shakur is an alumnus of Quitman and always made a point to return to his roots,” the Newark Board of Education stated in a Facebook post, pointing out that Stevenson made sure that the group of students, parents and staff got tickets to his fight on Friday.

In a video posted by Top Rank Boxing, Stevenson said he pushed specifically for the fight to take place in Newark.

“The people of Newark deserve it,” he said. “Just to come home and fight in front of them is a huge blessing.”

“I feel real good to be back home,” he added.

• See related article: 2 Pro Boxers From Newark Give Tips To Kids At North Bergen Gym

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