‘I want the big names’

Updated 17/03/2024 at 22:35 GMT

Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda are keen to face off next, after the latter breezed by Brit Maxi Hughes in Las Vegas to move to a 30-0 pro record. Zepeda forced Hughes’ corner to call it a night after round four, such was his dominance. Now, the Mexican is eyeing up a showdown with another unbeaten star in Stevenson – or even Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis.

Shakur Stevenson

Image credit: Getty Images

William Zepeda and Shakur Stevenson have talked up a potential fight in the aftermath of the former’s victory over Maxi Hughes on Saturday night, with promoter Bob Arum willing to “get that fight done”.

Hughes – who impressed with a pair of IBO lightweight title defences in 2022, before falling to a controversial points loss to George Kambosos Jr. last year – was destroyed by Zepeda at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

After the Brit showed signs of promise during round one, the next three sessions were a clinic from Zepeda, who landed 40 punches per round at a 40% hit rate. After round four, Hughes’ corner mercifully pulled out their man to avoid further damage.

It stretched the Mexican’s pro record to 30-0, with 26 of those coming before the final bell. Now, as his profile continues to grow in the US having won eight bouts there, he wants to face one of the nation’s biggest boxing talents.

That could come in the form of Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, still waiting for his next fight after a fantastic display against Ryan Garcia 11 months ago, and a host of legal issues since. But the more likely option is rising star Stevenson.

William Zepeda

Image credit: Getty Images

Following his victory over Hughes, Zepeda said in the ring: “I am ready for Shakur, Gervonta…Whoever is on that list, we’re going after. Now who has to do their homework is Oscar De La Hoya.”

He continued in his post-fight press conference: “I want the big names in boxing. We have to recognize that Shakur is one of those big names. I want to show what I’m able to do, and Shakur is one of those people that I need to prove in order to get there.”

WBC lightweight champion Stevenson responded via X: “So, do y’all want to see me fight a machine next? I do.

“If Maxi Hughes gave Kambosos the fight of his life but Zepeda destroyed him, how good is is Zepeda? I’m excited. Let’s make Stevenson v Zepeda next please. Pressure busts pipes or makes diamonds.”

Crucially, both promoters appear to be in favour. Golden Boy supremo De La Hoya delivered the message: “Shakur, if you’re watching, let’s get it on, let’s go.”

And Arum of Top Rank, who looks after Stevenson, is ready to talk despite his man being the bigger draw: “Let Oscar call me and I’ll get that fight done for July. We have a date, July 6, and the Prudential Center is reserved. We certainly would consider him.”

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