The boxing world was thrown into chaos at the end of July 13, 2025, after an impressive controversy after the fight that has eclipsed the successful defense of the Shakur Stevenson WBC lightweight title against William Zepeda. Only a few hours after his electrifying 12 round combat in the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York, Zepeda launched a bomb, publicly revealing evidence that he states that he shows that Stevenson cheated during the fight. The Mexican contender claimed that Stevenson whispered something to the referee, potentially influencing the result of the party, which ended with Stevenson winning by a unanimous decision (118-110, 118-110, 119-109). The accusation has lit a fire storm, leaving fans and analysts to the limit while sport dealt with the implications.
The fight itself, part of the “Ring III” card broadcast on Dazn Pay-Per-View, had already captured attention with its styles clash. Stevenson, keeping his perfect record on the 24-0 (11 KO), showed his technical brilliance, landing 103 of 221 blows with precise blows and uppercuts to ensure his victory. Zepeda, previously undefeated with 33-0 (27 kos), brought a relentless attack, connecting in 93 of 367 blows, particularly Stevenson with a right hand in the third round. Despite a strong beginning, Zepeda vanished in the posterior rounds, allowing Stevenson to dominate and silence critics who had questioned his defensive approach. The fight, which began at 6 p.m. ET with the main ring walks around 8:40 p.m. ET, was acclaimed as a competitive showcase: until the revelation after the Zepeda fight changed the narrative.
In a tense press conference held shortly after midnight on July 14, 2025, Zepeda, now 33-1, presented its case with a mixture of frustration and determination. He said that during the eighth round, Stevenson leaned towards referee Ricky González and whispered something, which suggests that he could have affected the official’s decisions in nearby exchanges or possible points deductions. “I saw it that happened,” Zepeda insisted, hinting at video evidence or audio recordings that plans to submit to the World Boxing Council (WBC) and release publicly. “He cheated and I have the test.” The accusation has raised the eyebrows, and some speculate that a tactical supplication or a deliberate attempt to influence the judges could imply, although no details have been confirmed.
Stevenson did not waste time responding, firing with a concise but shear replica that left Zepeda momentarily speechless. In a brief statement to journalists, the 27 -year -old champion said: “try or shut up.” Those six sharp words, revealed with a steel glow, had sat the room, stopping the impulse of Zepeda while fighting to formulate an answer. Stevenson’s camp has since labeled the accusations “desperate and unfounded”, with his coach stating that the fight was fairly won through skills and strategies. The exchange has added fuel to an already heated rivalry, turning a sports contest into a personal dispute that promises to dominate the headlines.
The boxing community is divided by the statements. Some fans on social networks, particularly in X, have recovered behind Zepeda, demanding transparency and asking for a review of fighting images. Others dismiss the accusation as sour grapes of a fighter who is not willing to accept his first loss, pointing out Stevenson’s clear dominance in the posterior rounds. The WBC has recognized the situation, with a spokesman who indicates that an investigation will proceed if Zepeda provides credible evidence. If confirmed, the whisper could lead to sanctions, a rematch or even a dispute for the title, although such results remain speculative without evidence.
For Zepeda, the accusation is a high -risk bet. Known for his knocked out power and aggressive style, the 28 -year -old from San Mateo Atenco had been at the cusp of greatness before this defeat. A successful challenge could restore your reputation and force a rematch, but if your evidence falls short, you run the risk of painting it as a painful loser, potentially stop your career. Stevenson, meanwhile, faces proof of his legacy. It is already a polarizing figure due to its cautious style, this scandal could solidify the opinions of its detractors or, if it emerges unharmed, to improve its narrative as a resistant champion.
The mystery of the whisper is increased. What Stevenson said, if something, and altered the result of the fight? Theories range from a request for a break to a strategic comment on Zepeda’s tactics, but without the promised evidence of Zepeda, expected to include videos or audio, the truth is still difficult to achieve. The incident echoes the controversies of the referees beyond, such as the Canelo Álvarez 2019 case, where accusations of misconduct caused outrage, although they were never completely tested.
As the investigation takes place, the center of attention intensifies in both fighters. The next Zepeda movement will determine whether your claim has weight or falls apart under scrutiny, while Stevenson’s response, both inside and outside the ring, will shape its position. The boxing world observes, divided between admiration for an exciting fight and the uncertainty of a scandal that could redefine the light division. For now, the six words that silenced Zepeda became stronger than the final bell, leaving the sport in suspense.
