Promoter Eddie Hearn says he’s going to meet with Golden Boy during Times Square week to negotiate a fight between Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda. Hearn states that it’s the “right fight” for Shakur (23-0, 11 KOs), and that it’s been ordered by the WBC for him to defend his lightweight title.
Zepeda’s Leverage
Shakur is going to have to be willing to surrender some of his purse for him to get Zepeda (33-0, 27 KOs) to agree to take the fight. It might not be a significant increase in pay for him from the last two fights against Tevin Farmer. Why would he want to challenge Shakur if it’s not going to be for more money than what he’s been getting?
It’s a tough situation for Stevenson and Hearn because they need Zepeda more than he needs them. He’s arguably more popular and has the following due to his exciting fighting style. The only thing Shakur has going for him is his WBC lightweight title, which doesn’t mean anything.
“Obviously, there was a figure proposed for the Zepeda fight in Saudi Arabia, but this fight is to take place in America,” said promoter Eddie Hearn to the Stomping Grounds about the Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda fight with the proposal. That fight has been ordered by the WBC.
It will be difficult to get the Zepeda fight made now that the Saudis aren’t offering the money that Shakur had hoped to get previously. He claims that money isn’t essential, and will take less.
Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) believes that beating Zepeda will be the key to getting a fight against Gervonta Davis. It sounds farcical. If Stevenson does beat Zepeda, the chances are he’ll look bad by running, and that’ll ruin his plans.
A “Fantastic” Fight?
“Purse bids will come. We’ll be sitting down with our friends at Golden Boy at Fatal Fury at Times Square week,” said Hearn. “I think it’s a fantastic fight. We want to make a deal. I think it’s probably one of the most fantastic fights in the division.
“It’s the right fight for Shakur, and more importantly, it’s been ordered by the WBC. So, that’s the fight we’ll be taking next, and hopefully, we can reach a deal with Golden Boy,” said Hearn on the Stevenson vs. Zepeda clash.
Last Updated on 04/16/2025
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