William Zepeda’s trainer, Jay Najar, expressed his surprise and disappointment when WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson opted to face #13 Joe Cordina on October 12th instead of setting up a match with the unbeaten #1-ranked 135-lb contender Zepeda in November. The decision caught Najar off guard as they were unaware of Shakur’s change of plans, ultimately missing out on a potential showdown between the two talented fighters.
Najar’s reaction raises concerns about Shakur’s future intentions regarding a match-up with Zepeda. With the Mexican star posing a significant threat to Shakur’s style and ambitions, there is speculation that he may continue to avoid facing Zepeda well into the first half of 2025. Zepeda’s aggressive approach and knockout power make him a formidable opponent for Shakur, potentially derailing his promoter Eddie Hearn’s plans for a lucrative fight against Gervonta Davis next summer.
Describing Zepeda as the “dangerous third rail,” Najar emphasizes the dangers that the Mexican fighter represents for Shakur. Zepeda’s relentless pursuit and destructive capabilities could shatter Shakur and Hearn’s dreams of a big-money bout against Tank Davis. Shakur’s decision to face Cordina instead of Zepeda raises questions about his willingness to take on challenging opponents and the potential impact on his career trajectory.
The selection of Cordina as Shakur’s opponent is seen as a strategic move by promoter Eddie Hearn to rebuild Stevenson’s image and elevate him to a “global superstar” status. By carefully curating Shakur’s opponents and showcasing his skills, Hearn aims to set the stage for a future mega-fight between Shakur and Gervonta Davis on a pay-per-view platform in 2025. The calculated decision to match Shakur against Cordina serves as a stepping stone towards achieving Hearn’s long-term goals for the rising star.
Najar’s disappointment is evident as he reflects on the missed opportunity to challenge Shakur in November. Despite their willingness to face the WBC lightweight champion, Shakur’s unexpected choice to fight Cordina left Zepeda’s camp in a state of confusion and frustration. The clash of styles and potential fireworks between Zepeda and Shakur could have captured the attention of boxing fans worldwide, but this opportunity seems to have slipped through their fingers.
William Zepeda’s trainer’s reaction to Shakur Stevenson’s decision sheds light on the intricacies and unpredictability of the boxing world. The missed opportunity for a high-stakes confrontation and the strategic maneuvers behind matchmaking decisions highlight the complexities of navigating the sport. As Zepeda continues to rise through the rankings, it remains to be seen whether he will eventually cross paths with Shakur and test his mettle in the ring. Only time will tell if these two talented fighters will meet in a showdown that could redefine their careers and leave a lasting impact on the boxing landscape.