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The boxing world held its breath in anticipation of Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda, a clash of styles and wills for the coveted WBC World Lightweight Championship. In a tactical masterclass, Shakur Stevenson emerged victorious, securing a Unanimous Decision victory over a game William Zepeda. This article dives deep into the post-fight analysis, offering a statistical breakdown, round-by-round scrutiny, examination of the judges’ scorecards, and a look at the fight’s lasting impact on the lightweight division.

Fight Details: Stevenson Claims WBC Lightweight Crown

  • Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
  • Location: Louis Armstrong Stadium, Queens, United States
  • Championship: WBC World Lightweight Championship
  • Scheduled Rounds: 12
  • Result: Shakur Stevenson by Unanimous Decision

This high-stakes battle served as a key attraction on the undercard of the “Berlanga vs. Sheeraz: Ring III” event, broadcasted to a global audience on DAZN.

Berlanga vs. Sheeraz: Ring III – Event Overview

  • Event Title: Berlanga vs. Sheeraz: Ring III
  • Venue: Louis Armstrong Stadium, Queens, United States
  • Broadcasters: DAZN (United States & United Kingdom)
  • Notable Undercard Fights:
    • Subriel Matias vs. Alberto Puello (WBC World Super Lightweight Championship)
    • David Morrell vs. Imam Khataev

Quick Recap of Stevenson vs Zepeda

Stevenson controlled the pace for the majority of the fight, utilizing his superior footwork and defensive skills to frustrate Zepeda’s aggressive approach. While Zepeda had moments of success, Stevenson’s accuracy and ring generalship ultimately earned him the unanimous decision victory.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Statistic Shakur Stevenson William Zepeda
Age 28 29
Height 5′ 7″ / 170 cm 5′ 9″ / 175 cm
Reach 68.1″ / 173 cm 69.7″ / 177 cm
Record 24-0-0 33-1-0
KO Percentage 45.83% 81.82%
Stance Southpaw Southpaw

The pre-fight narrative centered on Stevenson’s technical brilliance versus Zepeda’s relentless aggression. Many wondered if Zepeda’s power could crack Stevenson’s defense, or if Stevenson’s skills would neutralize Zepeda’s attack.

Fight in Review: Stevenson’s Masterful Performance

From the opening bell, Stevenson established control, utilizing his footwork and jab to keep Zepeda at bay. Zepeda, true to form, pressed forward, looking to land his signature power shots. However, Stevenson’s defense proved difficult to penetrate, and he consistently countered Zepeda’s advances.

Key moments included several exchanges where Stevenson’s superior hand speed and accuracy were on full display. While Zepeda never stopped trying, he struggled to impose his will on the fight. Ultimately, the judges awarded Stevenson a well-deserved Unanimous Decision victory.

Judges’ Scorecards: Unanimous Verdict

The judges’ scorecards reflected Stevenson’s dominance:

  • Judge 1: 118-110
  • Judge 2: 118-110
  • Judge 3: 119-109

The scores indicate a clear victory for Stevenson, with all three judges recognizing his superior performance. While some rounds were closer than others, there was no real controversy surrounding the decision.

Round-by-Round Statistical Analysis

Punch statistics provide a deeper understanding of the fight’s dynamics. Below is a breakdown of each fighter’s performance, round by round:

Round Stevenson Punches Landed/Thrown Stevenson Accuracy Zepeda Punches Landed/Thrown Zepeda Accuracy
1 23/53 43.4% 11/68 16.2%
2 25/50 50% 27/103 26.2%
3 25/54 46.3% 32/103 31.1%
4 30/54 55.6% 23/93 24.7%
5 23/48 47.9% 26/78 33.3%
6 25/43 58.1% 24/81 29.6%
7 26/45 57.8% 22/87 25.3%
8 22/40 55% 26/75 34.7%
9 25/46 54.3% 27/84 32.1%
10 26/47 55.3% 17/67 25.4%
11 22/40 55% 19/71 26.8%
12 23/45 51.1% 18/69 26.1%

Stevenson’s accuracy remained consistently high throughout the fight, while Zepeda’s output diminished in the later rounds.

Defining Moments of Stevenson vs Zepeda

  • Round 4: Stevenson’s most dominant round, showcasing his ability to control distance and land effective counters.
  • Rounds 2 & 3: Zepeda’s best showing, where he managed to pressure Stevenson and land some meaningful blows, but not enough to take the rounds.
  • Rounds 10-12: Stevenson cruises to victory, using his superior boxing skills to outmaneuver Zepeda and secure the unanimous decision.

Shakur Stevenson: A Boxing Clinic

Stevenson’s strengths were on full display:

  • Exceptional Footwork: He effortlessly moved around the ring, making himself a difficult target for Zepeda.
  • Defensive Prowess: He slipped and blocked many of Zepeda’s power punches.
  • Pinpoint Accuracy: His punches landed with precision, disrupting Zepeda’s rhythm.

Stevenson met pre-fight expectations, showcasing his status as one of boxing’s elite talents.

William Zepeda: A Warrior’s Effort

Zepeda displayed:

  • Relentless Aggression: He consistently pressed forward, trying to impose his will on Stevenson.
  • Remarkable Toughness: He absorbed a significant amount of punishment but never stopped trying.
  • Heart and Determination: He fought until the final bell, showcasing his warrior spirit.

Zepeda’s weaknesses were also evident:

  • Defensive Vulnerabilities: He was often too eager to engage, leaving himself open to counters.
  • Difficulty Adapting: He struggled to adjust his strategy as Stevenson’s game plan proved effective.

Punch Statistic Deep Dive

  • Total Punches Landed: Stevenson landed 310 punches compared to Zepeda’s 292. Though the numbers are similar, Stevenson’s landed with higher accuracy and impact.
  • Jab vs. Power Punch Ratio: Stevenson displayed a balanced attack, effectively mixing jabs and power punches.
  • Punch Accuracy: Stevenson’s accuracy was significantly higher than Zepeda’s, highlighting his superior shot selection and precision.
  • Round-by-Round Trends: Zepeda’s output decreased in the later rounds, suggesting fatigue may have been a factor.

Lightweight Division Impact

Stevenson’s victory solidifies his position as a top lightweight and opens the door to potential mega-fights. Possible future opponents include:

  • Gervonta Davis: A highly anticipated clash of two of boxing’s biggest stars.
  • Vasiliy Lomachenko: A battle of technical wizards.
  • Other Top Contenders: Stevenson will have no shortage of options in the stacked lightweight division.

Zepeda’s loss is a setback, but he remains a dangerous fighter with the potential to rebound. He may need to:

  • Rebuild with a few confidence-boosting wins.
  • Refine his defense and tactical approach.
  • Consider working with a new trainer to address his weaknesses.

What’s Next? – Stevenson and Zepeda’s Paths

Shakur Stevenson: Eyes on Undisputed

  • Unification bouts against other titleholders are the primary goal.
  • A move to a higher weight class remains a possibility in the future.

William Zepeda: The Road Back

  • Needs to get back in the ring soon to keep momentum.
  • Focus on improving defensive skills and ring IQ.
  • Look for opportunities to showcase his power and aggression against suitable opponents.

In Conclusion: Stevenson’s Skill Shines

Shakur Stevenson’s Unanimous Decision victory over William Zepeda was a testament to his exceptional boxing skills and ring generalship. While Zepeda showed heart and determination, Stevenson’s superior technique ultimately prevailed. This fight has significant implications for the lightweight division, and the future looks bright for both fighters.

What did you think of the fight? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

FAQs: Stevenson vs. Zepeda – Your Questions Answered

  • Who won the Stevenson vs. Zepeda fight?

Shakur Stevenson won against William Zepeda by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 12 rounds on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens.

  • What were the judges’ scorecards for Stevenson vs. Zepeda?

The judges’ scorecards read: 118-110, 118-110, and 119-109, all in favor of Shakur Stevenson.

  • What championship was on the line in the Stevenson vs. Zepeda fight?

The WBC World Lightweight Championship was on the line.

  • What was Shakur Stevenson’s punch accuracy against William Zepeda?

Throughout the fight, Shakur Stevenson displayed impressive accuracy. For detailed round-by-round punch statistics, refer to the article’s statistics section.

  • What was William Zepeda’s punch output in the Stevenson fight?

William Zepeda had a high punch output, especially in the earlier rounds. Check the article for a complete round-by-round breakdown of his punches landed and thrown.

  • Where did the Stevenson vs. Zepeda fight take place?

The fight was held at Louis Armstrong Stadium, Queens, United States.

  • What other fights were on the Berlanga vs. Sheeraz undercard?

The undercard featured Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Edgar Berlanga, Subriel Matias vs. Alberto Puello, and David Morrell vs. Imam Khataev.

  • What are Shakur Stevenson’s stats?

Shakur Stevenson has a record of 24 wins, 0 losses and 0 draws, with 11 wins by knockout.

  • What are William Zepeda’s stats?

William Zepeda has a record of 33 wins, 1 loss and 0 draws, with 27 wins by knockout.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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