Shakur Stevenson silences critics in thrilling William Zepeda win on historic night at $200 million stadium: ‘Elite’
On July 12, 2025, Shakur Stevenson delivered a masterclass performance at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York, defending his WBC lightweight title against William Zepeda in a unanimous decision victory that left no doubt about his place among boxing’s elite. The $200 million venue, typically home to the U.S. Open tennis tournament, hosted its first major boxing event, and Stevenson ensured it was a night to remember. With scores of 118-110, 118-110, and 119-109, the Newark native showcased his technical brilliance, silencing critics who had labeled his style as overly cautious or “boring” in previous outings.
Stevenson, now 24-0 with 11 knockouts, faced a formidable challenge in Zepeda, an undefeated Mexican southpaw known for his relentless pressure and staggering punch volume. Zepeda, entering the fight with a 33-0 record and 27 knockouts, led the boxing world with an average of 93.9 punches thrown per round, according to CompuBox. The matchup promised a clash of styles: Stevenson’s slick counterpunching and elite footwork against Zepeda’s aggressive, high-output attack. From the opening bell, it was clear Stevenson was not here to play it safe. He stood his ground, engaging Zepeda in the center of the ring and landing crisp combinations that set the tone early.
The fight began with both fighters trading shots, refusing to feel each other out. Zepeda’s aggression was evident as he pushed Stevenson to the ropes in rounds three and four, landing 93 of 367 punches by the midway point. However, Stevenson’s defensive prowess shone through. He absorbed Zepeda’s flurries on his arms and shoulders, using his jab to the body and sharp uppercuts to counter effectively. A notable moment came in the third round when Zepeda landed a hard right hand that briefly rocked Stevenson, but the champion quickly recovered, demonstrating his resilience and ring IQ.
As the fight progressed, Stevenson took control. By the sixth round, Zepeda’s relentless pace began to slow, and Stevenson capitalized, landing precise hooks to the head and body. His accuracy was staggering, connecting on nearly 50% of his punches (103 of 221 through five rounds). The Newark native’s ability to slip punches and counter with combinations frustrated Zepeda, who, despite throwing a career-high number of punches against Stevenson, found most of his shots missing or glancing off. Stevenson’s performance was a statement, proving he could be both defensively sound and offensively dynamic.
The historic night at Louis Armstrong Stadium, part of The Ring Magazine’s “Ring III” event, was more than just a showcase for Stevenson. The card, broadcast on DAZN pay-per-view, featured a stacked lineup, including Hamzah Sheeraz’s fifth-round knockout of Edgar Berlanga and Subriel Matias’s majority decision win over Alberto Puello for the WBC super lightweight title. The event marked the launch of The Ring’s new television show, “Inside the Ring,” and drew a buzzing crowd to the 14,000-seat arena. Stevenson’s victory, however, was the standout, with commentators like Jim Lampley noting that Zepeda’s pressure brought out the best in the champion, cementing his status as a superstar.
Post-fight, Stevenson was defiant, addressing doubters who had criticized his cautious approach in past fights, particularly his 2023 bout against Edwin De Los Santos. “Everybody forgot who I am,” he said. “They called me a runner, but I stood and fought tonight. I’m the truth at 135 pounds.” His performance drew praise from Golden Boy Promotions president Eric Gomez, who likened Stevenson’s skills to those of Floyd Mayweather, suggesting he might even surpass the legend. For Zepeda, now 33-1, the loss was a setback, but his heart and durability earned respect, with many noting he landed more punches on Stevenson than any previous opponent.
Looking ahead, Stevenson’s win opens doors to blockbuster fights. A unification bout against WBA champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis or a clash with Raymond Muratalla could be next, though Davis’s legal issues may complicate plans. Stevenson’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, and Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh are reportedly eyeing lucrative opportunities to elevate the 27-year-old to pound-for-pound greatness. For now, Stevenson basks in a career-defining victory, one that showcased his versatility and heart. On a historic night in Queens, he proved he is not just elite but a force ready to dominate boxing’s lightweight division for years to come.
