Photos: Shakur Stevenson, Robson Conceicao Hit Newark, New Jersey

WBC/WBO junior lightweight world champion Shakur Stevenson has never fought on home soil as a world champion. The six letters on the front of his trunks, Newark, represent his past and his immediate future. (photos by Mikey Williams)

Stevenson (18-0, 9 KOs), a 2016 Olympic silver medalist, will defend his belts against Brazilian Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceicao (17-1, 8 KOs) on Friday night at the Prudential Center. He has fought at the Prudential Center once before. In July 2019, he knocked out Alberto Guevara in his last fight before winning the WBO featherweight world title in October.

However, the world championship homecoming feels a bit different. Stevenson kicked off fight week Tuesday afternoon at the Boylan Street Recreation Center, where he met several dozen local children and was greeted by Councilwoman LaMonica McIver and other politicians from Newark and surrounding areas. Stevenson grew up at Boylan when he was young and always strives to get back to his roots.

Earlier in the day, Conceicao received a hero’s welcome at Mantena Global Care, a Newark-based nonprofit serving the city’s Latino community. Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood is home to one of the largest Brazilian populations in the country. Many local dignitaries, including Eastern District council member Michael J. Silva, were on hand to support Conceicao.

“I knew that Newark had a large Brazilian population, but I am humbled by the reception I received today,” said Conceicao. “I fight for my country and I will go out on Friday night to win these titles for my people.”