Someone’s “O” has got to go, or does it?
Shakur Stevenson’s next opponent appeared to be set at one point on Tuesday, but a principal party involved called the initial report “fake news.”
According to Boxing Scene’s Lance Pugmire, Stevenson (22-0 with 10 KO) has verbally agreed to face the undefeated William Zepeda (31-0, 27 KO) on October 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the co-main event fight ahead of the undisputed light heavyweight title bout between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.
If that matchup excites you, hold the flight arrangements to Saudi Arabia. Golden Boy, and Oscar De La Hoya promote Zepeda. De La Hoya took to X hours later and called the report false.
Golden Boy and Top Rank recently signed agreements to work with Riyadh Season, which would help secure this fight if it happens.
De La Hoya referred to it on one of his recent social media posts, but apparently, the report is premature or too early for the boxing icon’s liking.
De La Hoya has never been shy about speaking, but he has been increasingly vocal lately, with his ” clap back Thursday” posts being a prime example of his willingness to shoot on boxing topics.
Despite De La Hoya’s post, there is still a chance Stevenson clashes with Zepeda on the October 12 card. After all, De La Hoya didn’t deny there were talks to make the fight; he seemingly rejected the fight being verbally agreed upon, though he didn’t specify which aspect of the report was “fake.”
Stevenson has expressed an interest in fighting IBF lightweight champion Gervonta Davis. However, that fight may be more complicated to arrange, considering Davis is promoted by Premier Boxing Champions, a group associated with Al Haymon.
According to Pugmire’s report, Stevenson’s management contacted Davis’ people to make the fight but never received a callback. While a fight between Stevenson and Davis would arguably be the biggest fight of the year when it happens, a bout between the former and Zepeda shouldn’t be dismissed as a minor scrap.
Zepeda has demonstrated excellent boxing acumen and punching power throughout his career. His style could expose Stevenson or make him a star if he dismantles the previously undefeated 28-year-old Mexican. Stevenson’s contract with Top Rank expired following his last fight, a unanimous decision win over Artem Harutyunyan in early July.
Since his free agency began, Stevenson has had multiple suitors, including Golden Boy. Eddie Hearn has made it clear he’d like to sign Stevenson to Matchroom, but there is also a chance a short-term deal could be worked out with Premier Boxing Champions and Amazon Prime.
A deal with the latter would help to facilitate a fight with Davis. Stevenson could also remain a promotional free agent and function similarly to his mentor, Terence Crawford. The latter will headline Riyadh Season’s first-ever card in the United States on Saturday, August 3, in Los Angeles. As we move closer to the fourth quarter of the year, more concrete information regarding Stevenson’s future will arise.