WBC Orders Stevenson vs. Zepeda

The WBC has officially ordered Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda. 

Shakur is the WBC Lightweight Champion, a belt he acquired after defeating Edwin De La Santos via a unanimous decision for the vacant belt. He has made two successful defenses of the title, beating Artem Harutyunyan and Josh Padley in his last two fights. He was on course to face Zepeda before the Padley fight. However, the Mexican had to pull out of the fight due to a hand injury. Shakur ultimately stopped Padley in his last fight by a ninth round stoppage to defend his title. 

Stevenson has been chasing a fight with Gervonta Davis in what would be a unification. But Tank is expected to rematch Lamont Roach Jr. next, meaning Shakur has to look elsewhere. Zepeda is coming off a decision win against Tevin Farmer, which solidified his position for the interim champion and the number one-ranked contender. Shakur has accused Zepeda of not wanting the fight.

Oscar De La Hoya has previously said that Shakur would only get this fight if he signed with Golden Boy Promotions.This was after Shakur left Top Rank, but he ultimately chose to sign a two-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing. But since Matchroom and Golden Boy both broadcast their fights on DAZN, there is the feeling that a fight could be made. The pair have until May 6 to make a deal after which the WBC will order purse bids. 

Stevenson Vs. Zepeda

It is Shakur’s final fight under Matchroom unless he were to sign a new deal, meaning he is looking for the biggest fights. Zepeda would be one of Shakur’s most toughest opponents, as he is a knockout artist. Shakur has repeatedly been criticized for fighting on the back foot when boxers take the fight to him. The De La Santos fight was used as evidence of that. Shakur has complained about having issues with his hands. That would hamper him against someone like the Zepeda, who is a pressure fighter. Shakur and De La Hoya had plenty to  say about this potential fight. 

“Turki promised me a number and now he’s going way back on that number that he promised me and sending his Towel boys to run me the info instead [of] telling me straight up what [he’s trying to] do. [I don’t bow] down to nobody. Mr. [Oscar] De La Hoya, now let’s negotiate,” Shakur

“What will be telling is the money. That’s all that Shakur cares about – his split. We want the fight. It’s just so ironic that we have it on the table [through Saudi Arabia] and he pulls out because the money is not right. It’s the most money he’s ever made.

“Show the world who you are instead of coming across as a duck. Shakur Stevenson is a great fighter,” De La Hoya said. “I would advise him to take the most money he’s ever made for a fight and try to prove his greatness against his best opponent yet,” De La Hoya