Shakur Stevenson Silences Doubters in Dominant Win Over William Zepeda at Historic Stadium Event
Under the bright lights of the Louis Armstrong Stadium repurposed for boxing for the very first time Shakur Stevenson delivered one of the most complete performances of his career. Facing the relentless, undefeated William Zepeda, Stevenson not only defended his WBC lightweight title but also rewrote the narrative about his style and grit.
Many boxing fans had long admired Stevenson’s technical brilliance but questioned his willingness to engage in the trenches. On this night, in front of a packed crowd at the $200 million venue in Queens, Stevenson put those doubts to rest. He stood his ground, traded when necessary, and showed the kind of resilience typically reserved for legends. He didn’t just win—he dominated.
The judges’ scorecards told the story: 119–109, 118–110, and 118–110, all for Stevenson. While some ringside observers believed the fight was slightly closer—possibly in the 116–112 range—there was no doubt about the victor. The Newark native controlled the tempo, kept Zepeda at bay with slick footwork, and punished him with sharp counters every time the Mexican challenger tried to close the distance.
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In the early rounds, Zepeda brought the heat. His signature high-volume pressure style momentarily rattled Stevenson in the third round, when he connected with a clean right hand. But instead of folding or fleeing, Stevenson dug in. He stayed composed, adjusted quickly, and began threading pinpoint combinations through Zepeda’s aggressive flurries. Round by round, Stevenson chipped away at his opponent’s rhythm.
After the fight, Stevenson addressed years of criticism head-on:
“I got dog in me. I’m not no puppy, I’m not no poodle—I’m a tough guy.”
That quote might live on as a turning point in Stevenson’s career. The win over Zepeda was not just another title defense—it was a statement. He proved he can outbox and outfight the best in his division, even when the opponent brings pressure and power.
This performance opens the door to even bigger opportunities. With Devin Haney’s future uncertain and Gervonta Davis lurking as a potential mega-fight, Stevenson has solidified his spot at the center of the lightweight conversation. He’s no longer just the most skilled fighter in the division—he may also be the most complete.
As boxing continues its revival with marquee events in iconic locations, Stevenson’s headlining performance at Louis Armstrong Stadium stands out as a historic moment. It wasn’t just a win—it was a reinvention.
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