Oscar De La Hoya, a prominent figure in boxing and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, has expressed heartfelt wishes for Shakur Stevenson’s swift recovery following his recent hand surgery. As Stevenson’s comeback looms, all eyes are on an anticipated showdown with Golden Boy’s rising star, William Zepeda, scheduled for early 2025. De La Hoya emphasizes the need for Stevenson to be at his absolute best. Given the stakes, his presence in the ring will be pivotal, especially considering Zepeda’s track record of tenacious performance.
Stevenson, boasting an undefeated record of 22 wins—10 by knockout—faces an uphill battle against Zepeda, who is known for his relentless offensive style. Zepeda’s extraordinary output was exemplified in his 2022 bout against Joseph Diaz, where he threw a staggering 1,244 punches over twelve rounds. This formidable volume of punches could pose a significant challenge for Stevenson, particularly if he is not completely healed. The question remains: will Stevenson’s hands withstand the barrage that Zepeda is likely to unleash?
Before any potential face-off between Stevenson and Zepeda can happen, Zepeda must first contend with Tevin Farmer on November 16th at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Farmer, a former world champion with an impressive but challenged record of 33 wins to 6 losses, will need to exhibit exceptional defensive skills to thwart Zepeda’s onslaught. With the fight being part of a larger card featuring notable matches, including Gilberto Ramirez’s showdown, each bout holds its importance, but the anticipation of Zepeda vs. Farmer adds an extra layer of intrigue.
Commentators, such as Chris Mannix, underline the excitement surrounding the potential Stevenson-Zepeda clash, noting that a lot hinges on Zepeda’s performance against Farmer. There are also logistical considerations that could affect the fight’s booking, but both fighters are eager for this significant opportunity. De La Hoya articulates his respect for Stevenson as a top-tier boxer but acknowledges the uncertainties that come with injury recovery.
As De La Hoya candidly stated, “You’re as good as your last fight.” This sentiment resonates in the boxing community, where one’s recent performance often dictates their future opportunities. The wish for Stevenson’s complete recovery aligns with the growing anticipation for his potential matchup with Zepeda. However, the caution surrounding Stevenson’s health highlights the unpredictability of the sport, where injury can halt even the most promising careers. Should his hand not heal properly, fans may have to wait longer for what could be a defining moment in both fighters’ careers.
While the boxing world awaits the outcome of Zepeda’s immediate challenge with Farmer, the excitement for a potential showdown with Stevenson persists. The layers of preparation, recovery, and performance intricately weave together to craft this narrative, and fans are left hopeful for an electrifying duel in early 2025.