Shakur Stevenson gets replacement opponent.
Young featherweight prospect Shakur Stevenson (11-0, 6KO) had initially been scheduled to headline a 10-round bout in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey against undefeated Cuban Hairon Socarras. Unfortunately, the latter had to pull out due to an injury and the search for a late replacement began.
The man to take the challenge will be super bantamweight contender Franklin Manzanilla (18-5, 17KO). The fighter from Columbia and #12 ranked WBC contender is known for his power as he dropped WBC champion Rey Vargas before losing his first title bid by unanimous decision in February.
Stevenson will be fighting in his hometown for the first time as professional live on ESPN. Just three months ago, he took on what was supposed to be his toughest challenge to date in former junior lightweight title contender Christopher Diaz. He completely dominated his opponent to the point where is ready to back in the ring just ~90 days later.
With little time to rest and now a late replacement against an opponent with a different style he had been training for, it will be interesting to see the adjustment the young prospect intends to make.
By: Jordan Whitehead
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