Stripping Shakur Stevenson of the top spot at lightweight was long overdue. The Ring finally bumped William Zepeda to number one, updating the board to reflect reality since Shakur departed for junior welterweight.
Shakur hasn’t stepped into the ring at 135 pounds since his 2025 scrap with Zepeda. He snatched the WBO junior welterweight belt off Teofimo Lopez in January. Keeping him perched above fighters who actively compete in the weight class makes zero sense.
Leaving a division means stepping aside for the next man up, whether Shakur likes it or not. He got the official win over Zepeda, sure. That win shouldn’t grant him lifetime ownership over a division he completely walked away from.
That bout was much tighter than the lopsided scorecards indicated anyway. Zepeda relentlessly marched forward for twelve complete rounds, pressing Shakur hard without offering any real breathing room. On my scorecard, that fight was a draw. Shakur landed cleaner single shots, but those flashes never created the massive margin the judges turned in.
Now Zepeda sits atop an exciting lineup featuring Abdullah Mason, Floyd Schofield, plus Andy Cruz. This crew brings serious offensive firepower, giving 135 pounds a fresh identity beyond Shakur’s ultra-defensive fencing routine.
Every single one brings a distinct look. Zepeda drowns opponents in relentless volume. Mason pieces together crisp, heavy combos. Schofield loves trading shots in the pocket. Cruz flashes elite technical timing, bringing an offensive arsenal that belongs against the division’s best.
Getting these contenders inside the ropes together is the real challenge now. Deep rankings do not mean much when promotional walls keep top talent apart.
Shakur earned his respect at lightweight, but holding the crown requires actually fighting there. The 135-pound scene has plenty of momentum to move forward, giving Zepeda the green light to take over the division.