Zepeda’s decision: Shakur or a “better deal”?

Promoter Eddie Hearn said a match between Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda was “discuss” for the February 22 card in Riyadh. Hearn says the fight should be signed with the other fighters on the card.

(Credit: Golden Boy/Cris Esqueda)

Of course, many things could happen that would prevent the Shakur vs. Zepeda battle takes place. Also many champions want to fight Zepedaknowing that he will bring in the PPV buys. He will limit himself if he agrees to fight Shakur next. Zepeda is like 24k gold right now because of his popularity and exciting fighting style.

Can Shakur get Zepeda?

The fight has been talked about for over a month, but Zepeda finds himself in demand at 135 after his win over Tevin Farmer. He is currently in an ideal position where he can literally pick and choose. If that means Shakur gets the prize, great for him, but he may not be the champion who clinches the popular Mexican star.

Zepeda (32-0, 27 KOs) revealed last Saturday night that other champions have called his name, and he will go down the path that offers him the best deal.

Shakur would be a good option because Zepeda already went through the trouble of beating his clone, Farmer, last Saturday. It would be a waste of that fight for Zepeda not to fight Shakur next. Still, he won’t say no if Tank Davis needs Zepeda’s surfaces for his next title defense.

Backup options for Stevenson

If Shakur loses the Zepeda fight due to Tank picking him up, he can always defend his WBC title against one of these fighters:

– Raymond Muratalla
– Andy Cruz
– Keyshawn Davis
– Edwin De Los Santos

Hear: “Best Card”

“This is the best map I have seen in Riyadh. Of course, the cards done. Many of the fights are agreed upon in principle. The contracts must be signed. We will leave it to His Excellency to announce. I don’t think it will be too far,” said Eddie Hearn Ariel Helwani about the 22nd February card in Riyadh.

“It’s incredible when you look at this map from top to bottom. I think it’s the best yet. You already know Shakur vs. Zepeda is already booked for that card,” Hearn said.

Again, the Shakur-Zepeda fight was discussed before he fought Tevin Farmer, but not anymore, he is now in demand by all the champions at 135, and possibly even at 140. Zepeda doesn’t need Shakur. It’s the other way around.

“A lot of the champions have mentioned my name and want to fight me, but it’s very clear that Shakur Stevenson, that could happen next. I’m ready for whoever is next,” Zepeda said Boxing King Media last Saturday night after his victory over Tevin Farmer in Riyadh.