Shakur Stevenson Eyes Joe Cordina After Zepeda Fight Falls Through—A Bold Move in a Shifting Lightweight Division
In a surprising twist that has boxing fans buzzing, Shakur Stevenson, the highly skilled WBC lightweight champion, is now setting his sights on Joe Cordina after an anticipated bout with William Zepeda was derailed. Stevenson’s pursuit of a high-profile fight has faced a series of setbacks, but the young star remains determined to make his mark.
Shakur Stevenson’s Changing Plans: From Zepeda to Cordina
Shakur Stevenson, renowned for his technical prowess and unblemished record, had been eager to challenge William Zepeda, a 31-0 dynamo known for his explosive style. However, the anticipated showdown between these two elite fighters is no longer on the immediate horizon. Stevenson, frustrated by the shifting landscape, took to social media to vent his frustrations and announce his new plans.
“I’m out here looking for the best fights,” Stevenson posted. “Zepeda pushed it back, and now the fight will happen in February. But for now, I’m turning my attention to Joe Cordina.” The 27-year-old champion’s remarks underscore his commitment to staying active and proving himself against top contenders, regardless of the obstacles.
The Zepeda Fallout: A Setback for Stevenson’s Plans
The news that Zepeda’s camp had pushed back their fight was a blow to Stevenson, who had been eager to showcase his skills against the Mexican powerhouse. Stevenson’s disappointment was palpable as he revealed that Vasyl Lomachenko, another potential opponent, had declined a unification bout. “Loma just recently said no again,” Stevenson tweeted, highlighting the ongoing difficulty in securing high-profile fights.
With Zepeda and Lomachenko both out of the picture, Stevenson’s frustration was evident. “Whatever’s gonna get me paid the most and make the most sense, I’m down!” he declared. Despite these setbacks, Stevenson’s resolve to keep his career moving forward remains unshaken.
Cordina: A New Target for Stevenson
In light of the complications with Zepeda, Stevenson has now set his sights on Joe Cordina, the IBF lightweight champion. Cordina, known for his technical skill and past weight cut issues, presents a different challenge compared to Zepeda. Stevenson acknowledged Cordina’s credentials while expressing his eagerness to move forward. “Zepeda don’t want to fight just yet, so whoever it is, they’re gonna get this work,” Stevenson stated.
The decision to focus on Cordina represents a strategic shift for Stevenson. By taking on Cordina, Stevenson not only keeps himself in the mix but also positions himself for future high-profile bouts. This fight is expected to take place in early 2025, providing Stevenson an opportunity to demonstrate his adaptability and skill against a different kind of opponent.
Stevenson, at 22-0, revealed in one of the posts, “Loma just recently said no Again.”
He then stressed the fighters’ and continued, “whatever gone get me paid the most and make the most sense I’m down!”
The lightweight champion wrote in one post, “Zepeda pushed it back The fight will happen in February.” In another separate post, Stevenson added, “Zepeda don’t want to fight just yet so whoever it is gone be they gone get this work.”
He told Cigar Talks, “If I’m Shakur, I chase the [William Zepeda] fight. I keep building my brand into the ‘Tank’ fight next year.”
Looking Ahead: The Gervonta Davis Showdown
Eddie Hearn, a prominent boxing promoter, has hinted at a potential pathway for Stevenson to eventually face Gervonta Davis, one of the most electrifying names in boxing. According to Hearn, a successful bout against Zepeda would serve as a crucial stepping stone for Stevenson, setting the stage for a blockbuster showdown with Davis in the future.
“If I’m Shakur, I chase the Zepeda fight,” Hearn advised. “Building his brand with Zepeda sets up the fight with ‘Tank’ next year.” This insight from Hearn suggests that despite the current challenges, Stevenson’s future remains bright if he can navigate these hurdles effectively.
The Road Ahead: Stevenson’s Determination and the Lightweight Division
As Stevenson prepares for his upcoming bout with Cordina, the lightweight division remains as competitive as ever. Stevenson’s resilience in the face of obstacles speaks to his determination and commitment to his craft. While the fight with Zepeda may have been postponed, Stevenson’s focus on Cordina ensures he remains in the spotlight and continues to build his legacy.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Stevenson performs against Cordina and how this will impact his future prospects. The lightweight division is poised for exciting developments, and Stevenson’s journey will undoubtedly be a central narrative in the coming months.
