Shakur Stevenson Stood His Ground
Shakur Stevenson defeated William Zepeda by unanimous decision on July 12, 2025, at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York. Scores of 118–110, 118–110 and 119–109 kept the WBC lightweight championship with Stevenson after twelve rounds between unbeaten southpaws.
Accurate combinations answered the volume attack
Stevenson chose to exchange more frequently than in some of his earlier defenses. He landed right hooks and left hands while Zepeda tried to turn the contest into a sustained high-output battle.
The challenger found success when he backed Stevenson toward the ropes, particularly with punches to the body. Stevenson answered with head movement and combinations that repeatedly created room to counter.
The champion maintained control through the later rounds
As Zepeda’s output eased, Stevenson continued finding his jab and straight left. He sometimes backed the challenger up, reversing the pressure rather than simply circling away.
A late right-left combination again disrupted Zepeda’s balance. The champion completed the distance without allowing the challenger to produce the finish he increasingly needed.
The verdict settled the WBC title consolidation
Stevenson entered as the full WBC champion, while Zepeda held the interim title and mandatory position. The result consolidated that championship picture and handed Zepeda his first professional defeat.
Stevenson improved to 24–0, extending a career that had already produced championships in three weight divisions. The win came through a combination of defensive reactions and a willingness to remain in punching exchanges against a notably active opponent.
Sources
- The Ring: combinations, rounds, official totals and unbeaten records
- WBC: retained lightweight title and Zepeda’s interim status
- WBC: July 12 venue and championship-consolidation context
