Shakur Stevenson will defend his WBC lightweight title against undefeated challenger William Zepeda on March 15, 2024, at Louis Armstrong Stadium. As a highly skilled boxer with a record of 23-0, Stevenson has yet to face significant challenges in his professional career. Despite this, he grapples with a perception problem among casual boxing fans and industry figures, which he recognizes as a significant hurdle.
Stevenson, now 28, understands the landscape of boxing well. He has noted, “What it really boils down to is the fact that casuals rule the sport of boxing.” This observation highlights the influence of casual fans, promoters, and fighters who may not fully appreciate the nuances of the sport. His upcoming match against Zepeda, who boasts an impressive record of 33-0 with 27 knockouts, is seen as a pivotal moment in his career. However, it is noteworthy that their bout is positioned as the co-main event, overshadowed by a match featuring Edgar Berlanga and Hamzah Sheeraz.
While Berlanga’s match draws attention despite lacking a title, many boxing enthusiasts argue that it does not showcase the level of skill found in the Stevenson-Zepeda fight. The main event appears to prioritize entertainment value over competitive merit, a decision that frustrates Stevenson as he seeks to prove himself against top-tier opponents.
Despite his undefeated status, Stevenson faces skepticism regarding his fighting style. Critics often label him as not entertaining enough, particularly following his unanimous decision victory over Edwin De Los Santos for the WBC title nearly two years ago. Many fans found that fight uneventful, diminishing his appeal. However, Stevenson views that performance differently, stating, “When I go back and watch that fight, I see greatness.”
The fight with De Los Santos was particularly challenging for Stevenson, as he fought with injuries, including a torn left middle knuckle and shoulder issues. He explains, “I see a fighter who went in there 50 percent against a very good fighter and still got the job done.” Yet, this perspective raises questions about the effectiveness of De Los Santos, who failed to capitalize on Stevenson’s compromised condition.
Zepeda, aware of the expectations surrounding their match, emphasizes his commitment to taking the initiative. He asserts, “I’m the one who has to make the difference.” Zepeda recognizes the importance of applying pressure and maintaining focus throughout the fight, a strategy he believes will be crucial against Stevenson.
The upcoming fight is not merely a contest of skill; it symbolizes a broader struggle for recognition in the boxing world. Zepeda remarks on the pressure Stevenson faces, acknowledging that the casual fans want to see him engage in more action. “All the people who say ‘we want to see Shakur fight. We don’t want to see him run,'” he notes. Zepeda sees this as a potential vulnerability for Stevenson, suggesting that the expectations of the fans could influence the dynamics of their matchup.
As Stevenson prepares for this significant fight, he continues to navigate the complexities of fan perceptions and industry expectations. The outcome may determine not only the trajectory of his career but also his standing in the boxing community. With both fighters eager to establish their dominance, the bout promises to be an engaging spectacle for boxing enthusiasts and casual fans alike.
