Quick Read
- Shakur Stevenson defeated William Zepeda via TKO in the 10th round to retain his WBC lightweight title.
- The fight took place on July 12, 2025, at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.
- Stevenson showcased exceptional defensive skills to neutralize Zepeda’s high punch volume.
- This victory sets up potential mega-fights for Stevenson, including a possible showdown with Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis.
- The undercard featured notable wins by Edgar Berlanga and Alberto Puello.
On July 12, 2025, boxing fans witnessed an electrifying showdown as Shakur Stevenson defended his WBC lightweight title against William Zepeda at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York. This bout was part of the star-studded “Ring III” card, which also featured high-profile matchups such as Edgar Berlanga vs. Hamzah Sheeraz. The event marked a historic moment as the first boxing match ever held at the iconic venue, usually known for hosting the U.S. Open tennis tournament.
Stevenson’s Defensive Mastery Shines
Shakur Stevenson entered the ring with an unblemished record of 23 wins, including 11 knockouts. The 28-year-old Newark native had been under scrutiny for his perceived lack of punching power and overly technical style, but he was determined to silence his critics. His opponent, the aggressive and powerful William Zepeda, boasted an impressive 33-0 record with 27 knockouts, making this matchup one of the most anticipated of the year.
From the opening bell, Stevenson displayed his exceptional footwork and defensive skills, effectively neutralizing Zepeda’s relentless pressure and high punch volume. According to Forbes, Zepeda leads all boxers in punches thrown per round, averaging 93.9, but Stevenson’s counterpunching and precision gave him the upper hand. By the fifth round, Stevenson began to dictate the pace, landing clean shots while avoiding Zepeda’s attempts to trap him against the ropes.
During the post-fight interview, Stevenson reflected on his performance, saying, “I knew he would come in aggressive, but my game plan was to stay composed and outbox him. Tonight, I reminded everyone why I’m the best at 135 pounds.”
Zepeda’s Grit and Determination
Despite the eventual loss, Zepeda showcased immense heart and determination throughout the fight. The 29-year-old Mexican fighter, known for his relentless pace, managed to land several powerful combinations in the middle rounds. However, Stevenson’s ability to adjust and maintain his composure under pressure proved to be the deciding factor.
In his post-fight remarks, Zepeda acknowledged Stevenson’s skill, stating, “He’s a smart fighter, and he made it difficult for me to execute my game plan. This isn’t the end for me—I’ll be back stronger.” USA Today noted that Zepeda’s performance, while valiant, highlighted the challenges of facing a boxer as technically gifted as Stevenson.
The Path Forward for Stevenson
With this victory, Stevenson improved his record to 24-0, solidifying his position as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world. The win also sets the stage for potential mega-fights, including a highly anticipated showdown with Gervonta “Tank” Davis. Stevenson, who is nearing the end of his current promotional contract with Eddie Hearn, hinted at exciting opportunities on the horizon.
“This fight was about making a statement,” Stevenson told CBS Sports. “I want the big names, the unification bouts, and the chance to prove I’m the best in the world. Tonight was just the beginning.”
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see what’s next for Stevenson, who has already achieved success across three weight divisions and continues to chase greatness.
Undercard Highlights
The “Ring III” card delivered on its promise of action-packed fights. In the co-feature, Edgar Berlanga defeated Hamzah Sheeraz in a thrilling 10-round battle, securing a shot at the WBC super middleweight title. The undercard also featured Alberto Puello successfully defending his WBC super lightweight title against Subriel Matias, and David Morrell scoring a decisive win over Imam Khataev at light heavyweight.
These results further underscored the depth of talent on display and set the stage for future matchups in the respective divisions.
As the dust settles on this memorable night, one thing is clear: Shakur Stevenson’s star continues to rise, and the boxing world eagerly awaits his next move.