Promoter Oscar De La Hoya has expressed his interest in organizing a fight between William Zepeda and WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson. De La Hoya sees this potential matchup as significant, labeling it as “huge.” He believes that the willingness of both fighters to face each other makes them the perfect candidates for an exciting showdown in the ring.
William Zepeda, currently ranked #1 by all four sanctioning bodies at 135, is in a prime position to challenge for a world title against any of the champions. With an impressive record of 31-0, including 27 knockouts, Zepeda has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division.
On the other side, WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson boasts a record of 22-0 with 10 knockouts. De La Hoya regards Stevenson as one of the best fighters skill-wise in the sport today. However, he acknowledges that Stevenson’s style of fighting may not be as appealing to fans, which has hindered his star power despite winning titles in three different weight classes.
While De La Hoya is eager to make the fight between Shakur and Zepeda a reality, he faces challenges in the process. He notes that Stevenson’s upcoming fight with WBA regular lightweight champion Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis could delay the matchup. Davis, considered a lucrative opponent for many fighters, may not be inclined to face Zepeda immediately if he secures a victory and further titles.
Despite the potential obstacles, De La Hoya remains determined to make the fight happen. As Zepeda’s promoter, he emphasizes his role in facilitating the matchup between the two talented boxers. He acknowledges the importance of timing and the need to capitalize on the current momentum to set up a compelling fight for the fans.
The anticipated clash between William Zepeda and Shakur Stevenson holds promise for boxing enthusiasts. De La Hoya’s commitment to making the fight a reality, coupled with the skill and determination of both fighters, sets the stage for an exciting encounter in the lightweight division. As the boxing world waits in anticipation, the potential showdown between Zepeda and Stevenson represents a thrilling chapter in the sport’s rich history.