After recently becoming champion at 123 lbs. at the US Boxing Olympic Trials in Reno, NV, Newark’s own Shakur Stevenson now sets his sights on winning Gold at the Olympics in Brazil in 2016.

With a combination of quick hands, strong ring awareness, offensive firepower and solid defense, Shakur seems to have all the makings of a champion.

At only 18 years old, Stevenson already has a solid resume:
2014 Youth Olympic Games Gold Medalist
2014 Youth World Champion
2013 Junior World Champion
2013 Victory Day Champion
2012 Junior Olympic National Champion
2013 Junior World Team Open Champion
2012 Veles Cup Champion

As a southpaw with a world class jab, Stevenson has a chance at being able to collect enough points to take home the Gold with fair judging in Brazil.

Whatever the results in Brazil, Stevenson has already shown the ability to deal with adversity. Earlier this year, Stevenson lost twice to Ruben Villa. Instead of letting those defeats knock his confidence, Stevenson set his screensaver to a picture of Villa and used those defeats to motivate him throughout the trials. He eventually beat Villa twice on the way to winning the 123 pound championship.

“My jab helped me out a lot in that fight. I got it done,” said Stevenson. “I think my chances of qualifying internationally are really good. I’ve never lost overseas.”

His 17-0 record in international competition backs up his thoughts, and Brick City Boxing looks forward to following his quest for Gold!