In a commanding performance, Shakur Stevenson successfully defended his WBC lightweight title against William Zepeda on November 11, 2023, at Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York. Stevenson secured a unanimous decision victory, further establishing his status as one of boxing’s elite talents.
Despite his impressive credentials as an undefeated three-division world champion, Stevenson was initially placed in the co-main event of the night, a decision influenced by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. Alalshikh reportedly aimed to elevate the entertainment value of the card, promoting Edgar Berlanga to the main event after Berlanga’s previous loss to Canelo Alvarez in September 2023.
Stevenson Delivers a One-Sided Victory
Stevenson made a statement during the fight, vowing not to run from his opponent. He delivered on that promise, dominating Zepeda throughout the 12-round match. The fight showcased Stevenson’s tactical prowess, with him landing an impressive 52.5% of his punches—295 of 565—while Zepeda struggled, connecting on just 27.8% of his attempts (272 of 979), according to CompuBox statistics.
Judges recognized Stevenson’s control, awarding him 10 of 12 rounds on two scorecards and 11 of 12 on the third. “I came in here to prove a point,” Stevenson stated after the fight. “It wasn’t the performance I was looking for because I came in here trying to fight. So, I took more punishment than usual. But at the end of the day, I told y’all whatever it takes to get the job done.”
Criticism of Entertainment Expectations in Boxing
The decision to marginalize Stevenson to a co-main event raised questions about the nature of entertainment in boxing. Alalshikh criticized fighters who engage in “Tom & Jerry fights,” implying that Stevenson’s previous dominant yet cautious performances were not entertaining enough. This sentiment sparked a wider discussion on the expectations placed on boxers to prioritize knockouts over tactical skill.
Stevenson’s effective defensive style allows him to avoid significant damage, with Compubox noting he allows the fewest punches to land among championship-caliber fighters—averaging just 5.4 punches per round. In contrast, Zepeda landed 22.6 punches per round, highlighting the disparity in their fighting styles.
After the fight, Alalshikh acknowledged Stevenson’s talent, posting, “Shakur Stevenson shows he’s the real deal with a huge win over William Zepeda.” Despite the promotional positioning, Stevenson proved that his skill set is more than sufficient to command a main event status.
As the conversation around fight entertainment continues, critics argue that penalizing skilled fighters like Stevenson for their opponents’ shortcomings sends the wrong message. Boxing is a complex sport that celebrates both offense and defense, and forcing fighters to abandon their strategies for the sake of entertainment could undermine the essence of the sport.
Stevenson’s performance against Zepeda not only solidified his championship reign but also challenged the narrative that entertainment in boxing requires a constant offensive display. As he moves forward, the focus should shift to his opponents to elevate their game, ensuring that Stevenson remains at the top of his division.
