Oscar De La Hoya says the high output, pressure, and body punching that William Zepeda does will be too much for WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson to withstand, and he’ll be knocked out or lose a decision on Saturday night in Queens, New York.
Zepeda’s Pressure: Stevenson’s Downfall?
De La Hoya notes that Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) has a Mayweather-like fighting style. He sees Zepeda (33-0, 27 KOs) as similar to Jose Luis Castillo, a fighter who gave a prime Mayweather fits with his pressure in their two fights. Many people believe Castillo deserved to win the first one, but lost.
Oscar believes the key to beating the Mayweather-esque style that Shakur has is with pressure, nonstop punching, and targeting the body. Although Stevenson will run, he can’t do it all night without being trapped occasionally and forced to fight.
Shakur is a slower version of Mayweather when you take away his hand speed and slow his movement down 50%. He punches about half as fast as Floyd, but he’s never been known for his speed. It’s Shakur’s accuracy. This is going to be his first true test of his career, because he’s never fought anyone A-level in any of the weight classes he’s fought at, including at lightweight.
“Shakur Stevenson, what type of fighter is he? Exactly like Floyd Mayweather. He knows how to box, has beautiful footwork, and stands up straight. He uses the shoulder roll,” said Oscar De La Hoya on MillCity Boxing, analyzing the Shakur vs. William Zepeda fight.
Shakur is a poor man’s version of Mayweather. He’s not in the same league in any department to the Floyd who fought Castillo twice. Stevenson’s primary defense is his step back, which is a three-step. He moves out of range of not only his opponent but his own ability to land.
Beating the “Money” Style
“Guess what? Floyd Mayweather [should have] lost to Jose Luis Castillo, which reminds me of William Zepeda, but throws more punches,” said De La Hoya. “Think about this. Floyd had brittle hands. Shakur Stevenson has brittle hands. If William Zepeda keeps coming forward, throwing punches, is very careful with side-to-side movements with his head, and keeps throwing that jab.”
Shakur is going to have to be willing to throw a lot of head shots for him to hold off Zepeda, because it won’t be enough to tap and run. He’s got to throw a lot of shots and hope that he can hurt him.
“This shell right here can’t block a jab. Throw to the body, throw to the chest. Pin him in the corner and just keep throwing punches in bunches. William Zepeda probably has the best output in boxing,” said De La Hoya.
“So, I got William Zepeda by decision or even a stoppage against Shakur Stevenson. I love Shakur Stevenson
Last Updated on 07/10/2025
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