Shakur Stevenson has been ordered by the WBC to face mandatory challenger William Zepeda
SHAKUR STEVENSON may be a free agent but his next battle looks a lot clearer.
Earlier this evening on social media X it was announced by WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman that the panel has ordered their world lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson, (22-0, 10 KOs), to make a mandatory defense against William Zepeda, (31) – 0, 27 KOs).
The WBC has ordered a mandatory title defense for our lightweight champion @ShakurStevenson vs @williamzepeda2 We are looking forward to this great game
— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) July 15, 2024
Zepeda is the number one contender in all four divisions and has been on a roll as of late and his non-stop all-action style has endeared him to the fans throughout the match. Last year he did a little work for Jaime Arboleda, Mercito Gesta and Britain's Maxi Hughes. Earlier this month his front foot tricks defeated Giovanni Cabrera in a third round knockout win.
William Zepeda is undefeated in 31 games
The same night Zepeda drove Cabrera in Ontario there was a different kind of battle in Newark where Stevenson went the distance of 12 laps for sixth when he comfortably beat Artem Harutyunyan. That fight was the last time he worked with Top Rank and now he is looking for a new promoter.
Golden Boy Promotions' Oscar De La Hoya – who promotes Zepeda – has met with Stevenson and Matchroom's Eddie Hearn was due to sit down with the talented striker today (July 15).
If Stevenson decides to pull out of the Zepeda fight then he could be forced to vacate his title and that could lead to him being drawn against WBA champion Gervonta Davis and IBF champion Vasiliy Lomachenko with more money. Now Stevenson must decide where his promotional future lies and whether or not he wants to take on Zepeda indefinitely.
While attending the Matchroom card in Philadelphia on Saturday night Stevenson was asked by DAZN's Chris Mannix about a possible matchup against Zepeda.
“Hell of a fighter,” said Stevenson.
“I don't think I've ever stepped into the ring – in my professional career – with a fighter like that. He throws a bunch of punches. He's good in his style but a guy like that can bring out the best in me.”
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