Shakur Stevenson: Loved by casual fans? Analysis and Zepeda lurking

Shakur Stevenson: The Crossroads of Modern Boxing

At 28 years old, Shakur Stevenson is on the eve of his most important fight, but he is no longer the “kid” of boxing. Despite his impressive 23-0 record, with impeccable performance, Stevenson has become a source of reflection in the boxing world. After eight years of professional career, he has come to a revealing conclusion: “Casual fans dominate boxing.” The evidence of this is manifested in his position on the Saturday card at Louis Armstrong Stadium. WBC lightweight champion Stevenson will face the “interim” belt holder of the organization, William Zepeda, an opponent that fans have long requested. However, this fight is the co-main event, overshadowed by the clash between Edgar Berlanga and Hamzah Sheeraz. Although Stevenson has proven his worth in the ring since 2017, the perception that he is not entertaining enough (violent and charismatic) has been increasing. This is due, in part, to his unanimous decision victory over Edwin De Los Santos. Stevenson, however, has a different perspective.

“When I see that fight, I see greatness,” Stevenson states.

Shakur Stevenson

During training for that fight, Stevenson only used his right hand, attributing it to work on his jab. It turned out that he had an injury to his knuckle and his left shoulder. “I saw a boxer who entered the ring at 50% against a very good boxer and still delivered,” Stevenson adds.

Even though the fight didn’t gain new followers, Stevenson presents a reasonable argument. De Los Santos’ responsibility in the fight is also relevant. If De Los Santos was such a formidable opponent, why could he barely touch a boxer with one hand?

Stevenson’s ability to make his opponents look bad is evident. Boxer Gervonta “Tank” Davis talks more about his retirement, while Stevenson continues to dream of a match between the two. However, fights against Stevenson are usually difficult. Stevenson explains that, despite his movements in the ring, there were opportunities for De Los Santos to hit him. The mistake of considering him a runner is common, as is the idea that the size of the ring is crucial in these confrontations. Zepeda, for his part, has a clear strategy: “A good boxer who presses will find a way to cut the ring, and a good boxer will find a way to move and escape. It’s no secret that I throw a lot of punches and attack the body. I can’t change that… But it’s me who has to make the difference. Shakur’s IQ is incredible, but it’s me who has to make him think. He’s an incredible boxer, but it’s me who has to take him to deep waters. I have to shorten the distance. Me, William Zepeda.” Zepeda sees himself as the protagonist of his own story, imagining an epic fight in the style of Rocky. He understands that he must apply intelligent pressure and not get frustrated. Zepeda glimpses Stevenson’s weakness in the pressure he has, looking for the moment when he should face him in the ring. The objective is clear: to take advantage of Stevenson’s need to respond to criticism from fans.