Zepeda’s record remains 33 wins and one loss, with 27 knockouts. The Stevenson fight was the first loss of his career and ended his run as WBC interim lightweight champion. After the fight, Golden Boy said it was back to the drawing board. Since then, no clear next step has emerged.
The lightweight division didn’t make his situation any easier. It is crowded at the top and cautious just below it. Zepeda no longer holds a belt, but he is still considered a tough fight. That combination often leads to inactivity, especially for fighters trying to move cautiously toward titles.
The Stevenson fight did little to damage his reputation as a pressure operator. Many fans still argue that this was a demanding style fight for Stevenson, even in a clear decision loss. Zepeda forced movement. He kept the pace high. He kept Stevenson disciplined for twelve rounds.
One moment of the third round is still debated. With less than thirty seconds left, Zepeda landed a right hand as Stevenson was backed into the ropes. Stevenson lost his footing and stumbled as the ropes held him upright. The referee did not consider it a knockdown. Stevenson later said he was off balance rather than hurt. He quickly reset, avoiding the follow-up shots and regaining control of the round.
Officially, the order has not changed anything. Unofficially, it remains part of how the fight is remembered and part of why Zepeda is still seen as a difficult opponent rather than a settled one.
Talk around potential matches filled the gap. One name that comes up is Sam Noakes, who is often mentioned as a possible opponent on a major undercard tied to a future major event in 2026. Nothing has been announced, and no roster has been confirmed.
The question surrounding Zepeda is now position rather than ability. The Stevenson fight showed limits, but it also showed what he can still command at this level. He can keep rounds busy. He can keep elite fighters focused. He does not fade easily.
The concern is inactivity. Pressure fighters rely on rhythm and timing. Long layoffs flatten those edges. At lightweight, once that break comes in, it can linger unless someone decides to take the risk of facing him. That decision has not yet come.
