Shakur Stevenson, the rising star in the boxing world, has his sights set on a highly anticipated showdown with William Zepeda. However, this dream match-up seems to be eluding the American boxer, at least for the time being. Stevenson has accused Zepeda's camp of using Golden Boy Promotions to avoid the fight, but the path to this clash of titans remains uncertain.

Stevenson's Unwavering Desire for the Zepeda Bout

Shakur Stevenson, the WBC world champion, has made no secret of his desire to face off against William Zepeda. In a recent interview with The Stomping Ground, Stevenson boldly claimed that Zepeda is "afraid" of him and is using his promoter, Oscar de la Hoya, to avoid the fight."From what I've heard, I think that fight is going to happen. Zepeda is going to fight for the WBC interim title, and I have the regular title. I think this is the time. You can't keep running away. You can't keep making excuses not to fight me anymore. That fight has to happen," Stevenson asserted.The American boxer further criticized Zepeda's approach, suggesting that he is "hiding behind Oscar de la Hoya" and letting his promoters dictate his decisions. Stevenson believes that if Zepeda's team tells him to fight, he will be willing to step into the ring.

The Roadblock: Zepeda's Reluctance and Promoter Influence

Despite Stevenson's eagerness, the fight against Zepeda seems to be a distant reality, at least in the near future. The WBC had previously ordered the bout, but Stevenson opted to face Joe Cortina instead, citing Zepeda's desire to be present for the birth of his child.Stevenson's hand injury, which led to the cancellation of the Cortina fight, has further delayed the potential showdown with Zepeda. However, there is a glimmer of hope, as promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated that a pre-agreement has been signed for the fight to take place in the first quarter of 2025.

The Waiting Game: Navigating the Promotional Landscape

The boxing world is eagerly anticipating the clash between Stevenson and Zepeda, but the path to this highly anticipated bout remains uncertain. Stevenson's accusations of Zepeda's camp using Golden Boy Promotions to avoid the fight have added an extra layer of intrigue to the situation.As the two boxers navigate the complex promotional landscape, fans are left to wonder when this dream match-up will finally come to fruition. The pre-agreement signed with Eddie Hearn offers a potential timeline, but the sport of boxing is known for its unpredictability, and the wait for this clash of titans may continue.

The Implications: A Clash of Styles and Reputations

Should the Stevenson-Zepeda fight materialize, it would undoubtedly be a highly anticipated event in the boxing world. The clash of styles and reputations between the two fighters would add to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the bout.Stevenson, known for his technical prowess and defensive skills, would face off against the hard-hitting Zepeda, who has earned a reputation for his aggressive and relentless approach. The contrast in styles and the potential for a thrilling encounter would captivate boxing enthusiasts and casual fans alike.Moreover, the outcome of this fight would have significant implications for the careers of both Stevenson and Zepeda. A victory for Stevenson would solidify his status as one of the top fighters in the division, while a win for Zepeda would propel him into the upper echelons of the sport and potentially set up lucrative future matchups.As the boxing community eagerly awaits the potential showdown, the anticipation continues to build, with both Stevenson and Zepeda eager to prove their dominance and cement their legacies in the sport.