Shakur Stevenson-Hairon Socarras reportedly set for July 13th

Before his dream rematch with Robeisy Ramirez, Shakur Stevenson will reportedly have to deal with a different undefeated Cuban in Hairon Socarras. El Nuevo Herald claims the fight is signed for July 13th on the various ESPN platforms, headlining a Top Rank show in Newark.

The 26-year-old Socarras (22-0-3, 13 KO) emigrated to the U.S. at a young age that none of the news articles I’ve found can agree upon, ultimately turning pro at 18. His eight years in the paid ranks have been unremarkable and he’s yet to face anywhere near world-class opposition.

“El Maja” (“the pest”) is, however, ranked #7 by the WBA. Stevenson (11-0, 6 KO) is ranked #3.

This is a step back for Stevenson, who’s coming off a dominant win over Christopher Diaz, but would serve as a thematically relevant prelude to a Ramirez fight if Top Rank want Robeisy to get his feet wet in the pros before setting up the rematch.