With an emphatic win, Shakur Stevenson continues his reign in the lightweight division. At the ‘Ring III,‘ the Newark-born Olympian defeated William Zepeda unanimously. While many question the wide margin on the scorecards, the fight revealed a few things. First, both Stevenson and Zepeda have gained a fresh wave of followers to their fanbases. Second, and more significantly, Stevenson can hurt badly.
Thus far a narrative had Stevenson as primarily a defensive boxer who lacked the power to daze opponents. But tonight’s title defense seems to have effected a seismic change in the popular view. And to that end, Shakur Stevenson’s stellar performance has even attracted comparisons with a prime Floyd Mayweather! Including former champion Shawn Porter and Claressa Shields, several well-known names took to keypads and congratulated the lightweight champion.
The social media is abuzz with Stevenson’s latest exploit. Especially, concerns were widespread after reports following his win over Josh Padley in February revealed Stevenson suffered from hand injuries. But tonight, putting all the concerns behind, the world champion confirmed why he’s a class apart.
@ShakurStevenson was a man with a point to prove against William Zepeda.#BerlangaSheeraz #StevensonZepeda pic.twitter.com/2j8v3poUXK
— Boxing News+ (@BoxingNewsPlus) July 13, 2025
For the record, William Zepeda fought the way he usually fights. Charging head-on, he tried to bully Shakur Stevenson with his punches. But the three-division champion came prepared. Delivering a boxing clinic, he left Zepeda high and dry when his body shots proved ineffectual.
Then, to everyone’s utter surprise, he would swing to throw a powerful left to Zepeda’s face, wobbling him a couple of times.
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