Oscar De La Hoya Vows to Make Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda a Reality
In a bold statement that has electrified the boxing community, Oscar De La Hoya has committed to making a long-awaited fight between Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda a reality. The clash, which promises to be a pivotal moment in the lightweight division, has been marked by intense negotiations and strategic maneuvering.
The Fighters in Focus: Stevenson vs. Zepeda
William Zepeda, currently holding the No. 1 spot in the lightweight rankings across all major sanctioning bodies, is set to face a significant challenge. The WBC has mandated that Shakur Stevenson, the reigning champion, defend his title against Zepeda. This matchup comes amid a backdrop of unfulfilled high-profile fights, as both IBF champion Vasyl Lomachenko and WBA champion Gervonta Davis have chosen to bypass Stevenson, leaving Zepeda as a potentially lucrative opponent.
De La Hoya, who promotes Zepeda, has recently shifted his stance and expressed a strong desire to facilitate this fight. “I want to make that fight. Shakur, skill-wise, is probably the best fighter on the planet today,” De La Hoya told FightHype. His endorsement of the fight comes as a relief to fans eager to see these two elite fighters square off.
“I want to make that fight. Shakur, skill-wise, is probably the best fighter on the planet today,” De La Hoya said.
Stevenson’s fighting style was not “fan-friendly”, and exhibited a hint of hesitation as he was worried about the 27-year-old fighter’s capability to “sell tickets”.
“He has to be able to sell tickets. His boxing style is not that friendly to sell tickets but I think that William Zepeda vs. Shakur Stevenson is a huge fight,” De La Hoya said while expressing his concern.
A Hesitant Promoter’s Concerns
Despite his enthusiasm, De La Hoya’s support comes with reservations. In an interview, he admitted concerns about Stevenson’s marketability, citing the boxer’s less-than-exciting fighting style. “He has to be able to sell tickets. His boxing style is not that friendly to sell tickets,” De La Hoya explained. His hesitance stems from Stevenson’s recent performances, which, while technically proficient, have failed to captivate audiences. Stevenson’s bouts against Artem Harutyunyan and Edwin De Los Santos were notably unexciting, leading to boos and early exits from fans.
Despite these concerns, De La Hoya remains committed to making the fight happen. “I think the only one that’s in the way of making that fight is me, but I’ll tell you one thing. I will make that fight,” he declared with determination.
“I think the only one that’s in the way of making that fight is me, but I’ll tell you one thing. I will make that fight,” The Golden Boy asserted.
“Had a great meeting with @ShakurStevenson representatives. @williamzepeda2 will only fight him if Shakur is signed to @GoldenBoyBoxing,” Oscar wrote on X.
Had a great meeting with @ShakurStevenson representatives. @williamzepeda2 will only fight him if Shakur is signed to @GoldenBoyBoxing
— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) July 12, 2024
Shakur Stevenson, you’re a free agent, you’re a great fighter, great talent, but not for me. I believe that when somebody says ‘I’m not fighting for the public,’ I cannot promote (them).” he wrote on X, throwing water over the prospect of him fighting Zepeda.
The Negotiation Drama
The road to this potential bout has been fraught with twists and turns. Stevenson, who became a free agent following his last fight, turned down a significant contract offer from Top Rank. This decision sparked a flurry of interest from various promoters, including De La Hoya, who initially proposed that Zepeda would only fight Stevenson if the latter signed with Golden Boy Promotions. However, the negotiations faltered, and De La Hoya’s initial enthusiasm waned as concerns about Stevenson’s public appeal grew.
In a dramatic shift, De La Hoya had earlier expressed reluctance to promote Stevenson, citing his lack of fan engagement as a critical factor. “Shakur Stevenson, you’re a free agent, you’re a great fighter, great talent, but not for me. I believe that when somebody says ‘I’m not fighting for the public,’ I cannot promote (them),” he stated on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Editor’s Insight: The Bigger Picture
The potential fight between Stevenson and Zepeda could have significant implications for the lightweight division. For Stevenson, who is struggling to secure high-profile fights, a bout with Zepeda represents a crucial opportunity to restore his standing and demonstrate his ability to captivate audiences. For Zepeda, this match could be his chance to claim a world title and solidify his position as a top contender.
As the deadline for purse bids approaches, both fighters and their respective teams face critical decisions. The outcome of these negotiations will not only impact their careers but also shape the future landscape of the lightweight division.
