Shakur Stevenson will be stripped of his WBO and WBC featherweight titles after failing to make weight ahead of his matchup with Robson Conceição on Friday. The undefeated Stevenson (18-0) is facing a fine from the New Jersey State Athletic Commission, and potentially some of the $3 million fight purse he’s set to earn. Stevenson, 25, said Thursday on Twitter that he’s no longer capable of hitting 130 pounds: “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.”
Conceição will still be eligible to claim both titles with a win. Friday’s event is taking place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and per ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, “Top Rank is attempting to find a solution so Stevenson and Conceição can still fight in the ESPN main event.” The 33-year-old Conceição (17-1) will have his second title shot on Friday. In Sept. 2021 he lost by decision to Oscar Valdez, who had tested positive for a banned substance in the lead-up to the fight but was still allowed to participate.
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