According to a report by Mike Coppinger from The Ring, the WBC has mandated Shakur Stevenson to defend his lightweight championship against the top contender, William Zepeda. Both camps have a 30-day window to negotiate a deal, otherwise, the fight will head to purse bids on May 6. This matchup looks exciting, with contrasting styles, and it’s something boxing fans are eagerly anticipating.
Stevenson, the unbeaten champion and noted pound-for-pound fighter, has expressed his eagerness for this bout on social media. However, he has stated a clear preference to negotiate with Oscar De La Hoya instead of Turki Alalshikh. Stevenson alleges that the financial backer from Saudi Arabia retracted his initial offer regarding the Zepeda fight.
In his own words, Stevenson said, “Turki promised me a number and now he’s backing off from it, sending his associates to relay the info. Mr. De La Hoya, let’s negotiate. I’m still the champion and not pulling out of anything. If a deal can’t be reached, then it’s off to purse bids.”
Stevenson, with a record of 23-0, had recently fought in Riyadh and seemed to have a solid working relationship with Alalshikh. However, that may have changed. Zepeda, boasting an impressive 33-0 record with 27 knockouts, is known for his relentless punching and is a spectacle for fans who enjoy high-output fighters. This encounter between a pure boxer and a heavy hitter could be thrilling.
Zepeda recently secured two close decision wins against veteran Tevin Farmer. These performances have sparked some debate among fans, with some believing that the slick and defensively skilled Stevenson might pose significant challenges for Zepeda.
It’s an exciting prospect to see these two unbeaten fighters face off this summer. Is Stevenson truly the best 135-pound fighter today? Perhaps. A decisive victory over Zepeda might just cement his status at the top of the lightweight division in the eyes of the fans.
