Shakur Stevenson Retains WBC Lightweight Title Against Zepeda

In a highly anticipated boxing match held at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York, Shakur Stevenson successfully defended his WBC lightweight title against William Zepeda on July 13, 2025. The bout, which marked Stevenson’s 24th professional win, concluded with a unanimous decision in favor of the champion, demonstrating his technical prowess and strategic acumen in the ring.

Stevenson, a Newark, New Jersey native, showcased his boxing skills throughout the 12-round contest. The judges scored the fight 118-110 on two cards and 119-109 on the third, reflecting Stevenson’s dominance during the bout. Despite Zepeda’s aggressive approach, which included a high volume of punches aimed at overwhelming the champion, Stevenson effectively utilized his defensive tactics, absorbing most of the strikes on his arms and shoulders while delivering precise counters.

According to Andreas Hale, a combat sports reporter for ESPN, Stevenson’s performance was nothing short of a ‘boxing clinic.’ He noted that although Zepeda managed to land a significant right hand in the third round, it was the champion’s ability to control the pace and direction of the fight that ultimately secured his victory. Hale emphasized that Stevenson’s combination punching and body jabs were instrumental in disrupting Zepeda’s rhythm.

William Zepeda, who entered the fight with an impressive record of 33 wins and only one loss, was noted for his relentless punch output, yet he struggled to find effective openings against Stevenson’s defense. As the fight progressed, Zepeda’s energy waned, allowing Stevenson to take the lead in the later rounds. Despite not achieving a knockout, Stevenson’s tactical superiority was evident, suggesting that he is indeed a major player in the boxing world.

Following the Stevenson-Zepeda bout, the co-main event featured Hamzah Sheeraz facing off against Edgar Berlanga. Sheeraz, who moved up in weight, delivered a decisive performance, knocking Berlanga down twice in the fourth round before concluding the fight with a stoppage in the fifth round. Sheeraz’s victory improved his record to 22 wins, with 18 of those coming by way of knockout, while Berlanga’s record fell to 23 wins, with only two stoppages in his last eight matches.

The results from the event not only reaffirm Stevenson’s status as a top lightweight fighter but also highlight the shifting dynamics within the boxing landscape, as emerging talents like Sheeraz continue to make their mark. This event raises questions about potential future matchups and the evolving competitive environment in professional boxing. As Stevenson looks to further consolidate his position, the implications of these fights could lead to significant developments in the lightweight division and beyond.

In conclusion, the fights at Louis Armstrong Stadium encapsulated the current state of boxing, where established champions and rising stars vie for prominence. Stevenson’s strategic win against Zepeda and Sheeraz’s impressive performance against Berlanga underline the excitement and unpredictability that characterize the sport today. As fans await the next chapter in these fighters' careers, the boxing community is left to ponder what lies ahead for both established champions and emerging contenders alike.