New York – Saturday night, Shakur Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) demonstrated why he is one of the best in the sport by doing what many believed he was not capable of doing, which is box and fight on the inside with a volume puncher like William Zepeda (33-1, 27 KOs).
(Credit: Golden Boy Promotions)
Holding the highest output of any boxer at 92.2 punches per round, Zepeda’s offense was minimally effective against a defensive genius like Shakur. Although he threw nearly a thousand punches, he landed only 27.8 percent of his punches, one of the lowest connect rates of his career.
Stevenson stood in the fire and survived. He now has eyes set on one of the biggest fights in boxing, a showdown with Gervonta Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs). At the post-fight press conference, Shakur was asked what’s next. he said, “I told ya who I want to fight. I can’t…I can’t keep saying the same thing, I already told ya who I want to fight. The best versus the best.” A fight that can definitely be made with the backing of Turki Alalshikh. Money and promotional bickering are no longer a deterrent as to why a fight can’t be made. Turki, Shakur, and Eddie Hearn have all demonstrated interest in making the fight.
“Shakur Stevenson against Gervonta Davis is the best fight in boxing. Two young fighters in their prime, tremendous fighters. He wants to test himself [Shakur] and prove to everybody that he’s the best,” said Eddie Hearn of the potential matchup. Gervonta Davis was set to rematch Lamont Roach on August 16, but the fight has been delayed due to Gervonta’s off-the-ring issues. He has many options for big fights. Had the Roach fight turned out differently, he would be preparing for a fight against Jake Paul; they were set to announce it after Davis Roach, but due to the draw, it wasn’t. Davis-Paul could still be made in the future if Gervonta decides to go that route instead of a Shakur fight.
Turki has demonstrated a willingness to work with anyone and everyone. He wants to make the biggest and best fights in boxing. Davis versus Shakur would be it, and it seems acceptance by Gervonta is all that’s needed to make the fight happen, as all other parties have demonstrated an interest in it. Shakur wants to prove he’s one of the greatest to ever box, but he needs top-level competition to test himself. “My opponent was a hella of an opponent. He came in here
and pushed me to another level. He made me make adjustments. He made me think a little bit. I have to show you all that I’m a dog too. You all keep saying that I’m a runner, I’m pillow-fisted. So I kinda stood there in the pocket at times and let you all know that I can get busy too,” said Shakur of Zepeda, pushing him to greatness. Gervonta should want the same for his legacy.
The defensive mastermind defeated one of the best volume boxers in boxing; now he wants a shot at one of boxing’s greats.
Shakur Stevenson wants to fight Gervonta Davis
