By Steve Kim
2016 United States silver medalist Shakur Stevenson (4-0, 2 KO's) makes his 2018 debut when he faces Juan Tapia from the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada. His bout is the opener on ESPN.
Stevenson, now in his second year as a professional hopes to keep a busy schedule.
When asked how many times he plans on fighting this year, Stevenson told BoxingScene.com - "Hopefully six-to-seven times. So that's what I hope. But as much as possible."
His last outing came on December 9th on the Vasyl Lomachenko-Guillermo Rigondeaux card at the Theater at Madison Square Gardnen. On that night Stevenson looked impressive in stopping Oscar Mendoza in two.
For Stevenson this upcoming fight is his first eight-rounder and within due time he'll be scheduled for 10-round fights.
"That's what I hope, I want to fight 10 rounds. Maybe by the end of the year," said the 20-year old who hails from Newark, New Jersey.
"I just can't wait for the next year after (2019) to get my title shot."
It's clear that Stevenson wants to be put on the fast track by Top Rank.
"Yeah for sure, I feel like I'm ready for it," he said.
IN OTHER NEWS: This Friday night from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California, Thompson Boxing starts up it's 18th year in the boxing business with their initial fight card of the year.
"First night we have for '18, Erick Ituarte against Jose Ramirez in a very interesting fight. Ramirez is an experienced guy and then we're going to have Ruben Villa fighting Gustavo Molina. Originally, he was going to fight Ruben Tamayo but he fell ill and he had to pull out a couple of days ago," said Alex Camponovo, the General Manager and Matchmaker for Thompson Boxing.
"Also we're going to have Isaac Zarate, another one of our attractions and two of the new kids that we just signed, Saul Sanchez is going to be on the card in a six round match and also we're going to have Ruben Torres, who's going to be on the card, too. It'll be pretty interesting," continued Camponovo.
A few weeks ago Thompson Boxing announced a 12 dates for the upcoming year, the majority of the cards taking place at the Doubletree Hotel but there will be a additional dates that will be added to their schedule.
"We're working on a couple of venues. Texas is always the possibility, we might be in the Midland-area sometime in the summer," said Camponovo, who would like to showcase Michael Dutchover in his home region. There is also the possibility of hosting cards in San Diego and Las Vegas."So we're definitely going to add more dates to our roster."
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.