Promoter Eddie Hearn said a match between Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda has been “discussed” for the February 22nd card in Riyadh. Hearn says the fight has to be signed along with the other fighters on the card.
(Credit: Golden Boy/Cris Esqueda)
Of course, many things could happen that will prevent the Shakur vs. Zepeda fight from happening. Too many champions want to fight Zepeda, knowing that he’ll bring in the PPV buys. He would be limiting himself if he agreed to fight Shakur next. Zepeda is like 24k gold right now due to his popularity and exciting fighting style.
Can Shakur Get Zepeda?
The fight has been talked about for over a month, but Zepeda finds himself in demand at 135 after his win over Tevin Farmer. He’s in an ideal position right now where he can literally pick and choose. If that means Shakur gets the price, great for him, but he might not be champion that lands the popular Mexican star.
Zepeda (32-0, 27 KOs) revealed last Saturday night that other champions have mentioned his name, and he will pursue the path that provides him with the best deal.
Shakur would be a good option because Zepeda already went through the trouble of beating his clone, Farmer, last Saturday. It would be a waste of that fight for Zepeda not to fight Shakur next. Still, he wouldn’t say no if Tank Davis requires Zepeda’s surfaces for his next title defense.
Backup Options for Stevenson
If Shakur loses out on the Zepeda fight due to Tank snatching him up, he can always defend his WBC title against one of these fighters:
– Raymond Muratalla
– Andy Cruz
– Keyshawn Davis
– Edwin De Los Santos
Hearn: “Best Card”
“It’s the best card I’ve seen in Riyadh. Obviously, the cards done. A lot of the fights are agreed in principle. The contracts have to get signed. We’ll leave it to His Excellency to announce. I don’t think it’ll be too far away,” said Eddie Hearn to Ariel Helwani about the February 22nd card in Riyadh.
“It’s incredible if you look at this card from top to bottom. I think it’s the best yet. You already know Shakur vs. Zepeda has already been discussed for that card,” said Hearn.
Again, the Shakur-Zepeda fight was discussed before he fought Tevin Farmer, but not tha the has, he’s in demand now by all the champions at 135, and possibly even at 140. Zepeda doesn’t need Shakur. It’s the other way around.
“Many of the champions have mentioned my name and want to fight me, but it’s very clear that Shakur Stevenson, that could happen next. I’m ready for whoever is next,” said Zepeda to Boxing King Media last Saturday night after his win over Tevin Farmer in Riyadh.
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