Promoter Eddie Hearn said a match between Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda was “discussed” for the February 22 paper in Riyadh. Hearn says the fight should be signed with the other fighters on the card.
(Credit: Golden Boy/Cris Esqueda)
Of course, a lot of things could happen that would prevent the Shakur vs. Zepeda fight. Too many champions want to fight Zepeda, knowing he will bring in PPV buys. He would limit himself if he agreed to fight Shakur next.
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 is in an ideal position now where he can literally pick and choose. If that means Shakur gets the price, great for him, but he might not be the champion that lands the famous Mexican star.
Zepeda (32-0, 27 KOs) revealed on Saturday night that OTHER champions have mentioned his name, and he will go in the direction 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 needs Zepeda’s surfaces for his next title defense.
If Shakur loses the Zepeda fight due to Tank tearing him up, he can still defend his WBC title against one of these fighters:
– Raymond Muratalla
– Andy Cruz
– Keyshawn Davis
-Edwin De Los Santos
“It is the best card I have seen in Riyadh. Obviously, the cards are finished. Many fights are agreed in principle. The contracts have to be signed. We will leave it to His Excellency to announce. I don’t think it will be too far,” said Eddie Hearn Ariel Helwani about the card of February 22 in Riyadh.
“It’s unbelievable if you look at this card from top to bottom. I think it’s the best one yet. You know Shakur vs. Zepeda has already been discussed for that card,” Hearn said.
Again, the Shakur-Zepeda fight was discussed before he beat Tevin Farmer, but not the one he has, he is asked now by all the champions at 135, and possibly even at 140. Zepeda does not need Shakur . It’s the other way around.
“Many of the champions have mentioned my name and want to fight me, but it is very clear that Shakur Stevenson, that could happen later. I am ready for the next one,” said Zepeda to Boxing King Media on Saturday night after his victory over Tevin Farmer in Riyadh.
