Photo Courtesy of Essex County WBO Featherweight Boxing champion and Newark native Shakur Stevenson, center, was presented with the Key to Essex County during a Jan. 8 ceremony, where he was celebrated by many county officials.
WBO Featherweight Boxing champion and Newark native Shakur Stevenson, center, was presented with the Key to Essex County during a Jan. 8 ceremony, where he was celebrated by many county officials.
NEWARK, NJ — Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. presented WBO Featherweight Boxing champion and Newark native Shakur Stevenson with the Key to Essex County during a spirited ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
“Shakur Stevenson has dedicated himself to his boxing career, earning accolades at the highest levels — an Olympic silver medal and several professional featherweight title belts,” DiVincenzo said. “Throughout his successful run, he has never forgotten his hometown, reminding boxing fans of his Newark roots by wearing the city’s name on his trunks and headband. His pride in Newark and Essex County, and his tireless work ethic, are inspirations to our young residents and demonstrate that through hard work they can achieve anything.”
“When I fight, I think of Newark and all the kids who look up to me. I am trying to become better than I am now; I’m still motivated and I thank you for this award and for coming out to support me today,” Stevenson said.
“We are so proud of what you have accomplished, especially how you give back to the community and make yourself accessible to young people,” Freeholder Vice President Wayne Richardson said.
Along with the Key to Essex County, DiVincenzo presented Stevenson with a plaque, which reads: “Born and raised in the City of Newark, Shakur Stevenson started to box at the age of 5. He was an exceptional youth competitor, with his amateur career pinnacling at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, where he took home a Silver Medal. Now a professional, Shakur has continued to impress. Along with an undefeated record, he’s become the international face of featherweight boxing, earning the IBF Intercontinental, WBC Continental, WBO NABO and, most recently, the WBO title belts. This success has led analysts to compare Shakur to several legendary boxing greats. With all his achievements, he remains connected to and proud of his roots, wearing the name of his hometown on his boxing trunks and visiting schools, community centers and senior programs to inspire others. He is a role model for all of us, showing that no matter from where you come, through hard work, you can become the best.”
At just 22 years of age, Stevenson has had a successful career in the boxing ring. He currently has an undefeated record of 13-0 with seven knockouts as a professional.
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