Shakur Stevenson, who is gearing up for the biggest fight of his career at 28, doesn’t fit the typical “babyface” image in boxing, either in looks or persona. Despite being undefeated at 23-0 and largely unchallenged, he continues to surprise the boxing world. Reflecting on his eight-year professional career, Stevenson criticizes how casual the sport has become, not just among fans but also promoters and fighters alike.
This Saturday at Louis Armstrong Stadium, Stevenson will be featured alongside William Zepeda (33-0, 27 KOs), a fellow undefeated and tough contender who holds a WBC “interim” title. While Stevenson has long wanted to fight Zepeda, their bout will be co-main event, with the main event reserved for Edgar Berlanga versus Hamza Sheilaz. Berlanga, coming off a unanimous loss to Canelo Alvarez and a lackluster draw against Carlos Adams, is considered more exciting for his knockout potential despite lacking a belt. Still, skill-wise, neither Berlanga nor Sheilaz surpasses Stevenson or Zepeda.
Since turning pro in 2017, Stevenson has rarely lost a round but hasn’t always been the most thrilling fighter, mostly known for a unanimous decision win over Edwin de los Santos for the vacant WBC belt nearly two years ago. Stevenson views that fight as a display of greatness, despite some fans criticizing his defensive style and accusing him of running. He insists he did enough to win despite operating with injuries like torn ligaments in his shoulder and hand.
Stevenson criticizes De Los Santos for failing to capitalize on openings, questioning why the seasoned fighter couldn’t corner or overwhelm him. Meanwhile, Gervonta “Tank” Davis has opted for easier opponents and hints at retirement, while Stevenson maintains a cutting style that can make opponents look foolish in the ring.
Stevenson’s critics often call him a “runner,” but he sees this as a misunderstanding of boxing strategy—movement and defense are part of skilled fighting. On the other side, Zepeda acknowledges he must bring pressure and avoid frustration to beat Stevenson. He envisions their fight as a “Rocky movie,” expecting a tough battle that won’t be decided by the judges. Zepeda believes Stevenson will face moments where he has to fight head-on and plans to exploit that.
Zepeda also admits that Stevenson’s tendency to respond to online criticism may be his only weakness, an insight into the psychology at play. Both fighters understand the stakes and pressure ahead, with the rivalry promising intense action.
Fan Take: For fight fans, Stevenson versus Zepeda presents a thrilling clash of undefeated warriors pushing the lightweight division forward. This bout highlights the evolving nature of boxing, where skill, strategy, and mental toughness are as crucial as raw power, promising an exciting chapter for the sport.
