SHAKUR STEVENSON will need a new opponent if he is to return on February 22 in Riyadh.
The WBC lightweight champion hasn’t fought since a routine title defence victory against Artem Harutyunyan in July. Stevenson was set to fight on October 12 against Joe Cordina but a hand injury which required surgery cancelled the American’s second defence.
Stevenson, 22-0 (10 KOs), had been slated to make his debut for new promoters Matchroom on February 22 on a Riyadh Season card. His bout against fellow undefeated 135lb fighter William Zepeda, 32-0 (27 KOs), was being planned for that night but will now need to be rescheduled. Speaking to Elie Seckbach Golden Boy Promotions Eric Gomez revealed that their man Zepeda will be unable to fight on February 22.
“Zepeda suffered an injury. He hurt his hand, he suffered an injury so we’re looking to see when we can reschedule that but that’s the fight Zepeda wants.”
Boxing News reached out to Stevenson’s promoter Eddie Hearn for comment.
The injury happened during Zepeda’s hard-fought win against former IBF super featherweight champion Tevin Farmer this month. The 34-year-old rolled back the clock to give Zepeda one of the toughest fights of his career. And in round four the Philadelphian dropped the Mexican but lost a split decision (94-95, 95-94, 94-95) after the 10-round lightweight bout.
It remains to be seen who Stevenson will face next. The 27-year-old is looking for a huge 2025 to lift his career to superstar level and told BN that a mega-fight against Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis will happen next year.
“Yes, I think next year it’d be perfect. I think… the fight’s gotta happen,” he said.
“There’s no the way the fight don’t happen. The best versus the best and I can’t wait for it.”
Should Stevenson’s next fight come against someone from the WBC top 10 the options beneath number one contender Zepeda include Raymond Muratalla, Keyshawn Davis, Edwin De Los Santos and Andy Cruz.
