Promoter Oscar De La Hoya confirmed right now that the plans are for WBC interim light-weight champion William Zepeda to problem Shakur Stevenson for the complete belt later this 12 months after he faces Tevin Farmer in a rematch this Saturday night time, on March twenty ninth in Cancun, Mexico.
Farmer Rematch
De La Hoya says Zepeda (32-0, 27 KOs) desires all the highest guys after he offers with Farmer (33-7-1, 8 KOs) of their 12-round headliner, reside on DAZN. Zepeda, 28, goes over previous floor, combating Farmer in a rematch to clear up the controversy over his ten-round cut up choice win of their earlier struggle on November sixteenth on Latino Evening in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Shakur has virtually been begging for a struggle in opposition to Zepeda, as he and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, really feel that it’s a logical development contest that results in a unification struggle in opposition to WBA light-weight champion Gervonta Davis.
“Shakur is one arduous man to beat, however not inconceivable. His type may be very troublesome,” mentioned Oscar de La Hoya to Fighthype when requested if William Zepeda may beat Shakur Stevenson. “Clearly, this [Josh] Padley man he fought gave him just a little little bit of bother right here and there.
“Possibly Shakur received hit just a little greater than he anticipated to get hit as a result of Padley got here in gun’s blazing. Then Shakur had some issues along with his hand. I noticed him shake his proper hand. Shakur is an incredible expertise, however the plans are to struggle Tevin Farmer in Cancun after which go after all people.”
Shakur received hit greater than regular as a result of he was keen to remain within the pocket in opposition to Josh Padley as a result of he knew he was going through a weak-punching British domestic-level substitute opponent.
Towards this degree of opponent, Stevenson was compelled to remain within the pocket as a result of if he had used his regular four-foot step-back method, he would have by no means heard the top of the backlash. Shakur nonetheless regarded dangerous in opposition to Padley as a result of the struggle confirmed that he had no energy and could possibly be hit when he was not operating.
You’ll be able to solely think about how poor Stevenson would have regarded if he’d agreed to struggle Cuban contender Jadier Herrera, one of many different choices bypassed in favor of the gentle decide Padley.
Street to Shakur
“These are the kind of fights that Zepeda desires, the Shakur Stevenson—the easiest. Right now’s boxing is all about enterprise, and I don’t prefer it and I hate it. A variety of fighters are out-pricing themselves, and the massive fights aren’t going down. I actually really feel that Shakur desires to be nice, and he desires to struggle the easiest. I feel the identical factor about William Zepeda.
“That’s going to be a struggle down the street this 12 months that we’re going to see, and we’re going to make and it’s going to be a fantastic struggle. William is keen to face anyone. He’s in that second in his profession the place he’s keen to face anyone,” mentioned De La Hoya.
Final Up to date on 03/24/2025
