Shakur Stevenson says he’s coming to “put belt to a***” in his WBC lightweight strap title defense against William Zepeda on July 12th on Turki Alalshikh’s event in Queens, New York. Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) looked unimpressed when mentioning that some people see this as the “hardest fight” of his career. He doesn’t seem to feel that way, but fans could be right. Shakur struggled at times in his last title defense against the electrician Josh Padley, whom his promoter, Eddie Hearn, picked out for him.
Glass Hands, Real Danger?
Stevensons’ glass hands put him at risk of losing to Zepeda because this isn’t the type of fighter he can beat by throwing light punches or by fighting with one hand. He’s going to need both hands working, and he’s going to need to sit down on his shots.
On July 12th, Shakur vs. Zepeda (33-0, 27 KOs) will meet in the co-feature on the Edgar Berlanga vs. Hamzah Sheeraz card at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.
“On paper, this is supposed to be the hardest fight of my career. So, let’s see what happens July 12th,” said Shakur Stevenson to Ring Magazine, talking about his title defense against William Zepeda in Queens, New York. “I’m so scared. I don’t think I’ve been so scared in my life. You’ve got a guy that is big, strong, and physical. He’s coming in there to impose his will. I’m very fearful of this fight, yes.”
Whether he wants to admit it or not, Zepeda is the hardest fight of Shakur’s career. He’s younger, stronger, throws more punches, and he’s more aggressive than the limited guys he’s faced. Up until now, Stevenson’s best opponents were limited to these fighters:
– Jamel Herring – 35 and past it
– Oscar Valdez – Washed
– Edwin De Los Santos – Inexperienced
– Joet Gonzalez
– Jeremiah Nakathilia
That’s it. Those are the best guys Stevenson has fought during his eight-year pro career, and those guys are nowhere near the level that Zepeda is fighting at. None of those fighters could compete with him.
Shakur: “Zepeda Stopping Me?”
“William Zepeda said he’s stopping me by the 10th round. Let’s see,” said Shakur. “I’m coming in there to put belt to a** and perform to beat him up. July 12th is going to be a better show [than the May 2nd event]. You got me on that card, and I feel like I’m better than every fighter on that card.”
If Stevenson means that he’s better than anyone on the July 12th card, he’s wrong. He wouldn’t be on the Undercard if he were better than all the fighters. Regarding the May 2nd event, Shakur isn’t better than Teofimo Lopez. Talent-wise, he’s at Devin Haney’s level. He lacks Ryan Garcia and Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero’s power and aggressiveness. Shakur’s skills are good, but he doesn’t have the power or strong hands to make him a complete fighter. His hands are made of glass.
“I do feel like my fight is a tougher and better fight [than the main event clash between Edgar Berlanga and Hamzah Sheeraz],” said Shakur. “My fight is a title fight, too. So, it kind of makes sense. We’re in New York. It’s his hometown, so it should be a fun event.”
Stevenson’s fight with Zepeda could be tougher than the main event, but not because of him. Zepeda is the one who will make it tough with his high punch output, power, and toughness. Shakur is hitching a ride.
Who’s Really Ducking?
“So, you will admit that he’s ducking me,” said Shakur about Zepeda. “I think he would be a tough task for anybody in the division. He throws a billion punches a round. He’s coming in to impose his will. One thing is, we know what he’s coming in to do. There are different things to my game where you don’t know what I’m going to do,” said Shakur.
Zepeda was trying to fight Shakur on May 3rd, but he felt it was too soon. So, who’s the one ducking? Instead of complaining, he should be happy that he’s fighting him now, because he’s got a chance to try and show fans that he’s better than him. There are a lot of people who believe Zepeda is going to win this fight and make Shakur look bad by putting him on the run all night like De Los Santos did.
Last Updated on 05/15/2025
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