Oscar De La Hoya, the legendary promoter and founder of Golden Boy Promotions, recently expressed his hopes for Shakur Stevenson’s recovery following his recent hand surgery. The anticipation surrounding Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) stems from his impending match against William Zepeda (31-0, 27 KOs) for the WBC lightweight title scheduled in the first quarter of 2025. De La Hoya emphasized the importance of Stevenson returning to the ring in peak condition, as the matchup poses formidable challenges, given Zepeda’s relentless fighting style.
What makes this confrontation particularly intriguing is Zepeda’s unprecedented output. In his last bout against Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz on October 29, 2022, Zepeda displayed extraordinary stamina and activity, throwing an astounding 1,244 punches over twelve rounds. This level of aggression can be overwhelming for any opponent, and it raises questions about Stevenson’s ability to withstand such a barrage, especially with his history of hand injuries. The stakes are high, and one can’t help but ponder whether Stevenson’s fragile hands can endure the intensity of Zepeda’s onslaught.
Before battling Stevenson, Zepeda must first navigate a crucial match against Tevin Farmer (33-6-1, 8 KOs) on Latino Night, scheduled for November 16th at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This bout, part of an exciting undercard featuring Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez vs. Chris Billiam-Smith, could be pivotal for Zepeda’s aspirations. Farmer, a former IBF super featherweight champion, may find himself facing overwhelming pressure from Zepeda, who is known for his relentless pursuit in the ring. De La Hoya’s remarks about Zepeda’s work rate suggest the likelihood of an explosive encounter, one where Zepeda is anticipated to dominate.
Logistics and the Fight Fans’ Hopes
Commentator Chris Mannix highlighted that Zepeda’s success against Farmer is a vital precursor to securing the anticipated clash with Stevenson. However, there’s a maze of logistics and details to navigate before anything is finalized. De La Hoya has been candid about the need for discussions concerning fight details. His intention to make this matchup happen reflects the demand from fans hopeful for an electrifying contest between two of boxing’s rising stars.
For Stevenson, the path to his next fight hinges precariously on his recovery. There is a genuine concern within the boxing community that if his rehabilitation is prolonged, it could delay the fight between him and Zepeda, potentially pushing back not just his career but also the expectations of eager fans. As De La Hoya asserted, a fighter’s reputation is often defined by their last performance, making it critical for Stevenson to regain his form. The journey to health and preparation is fraught with uncertainty, yet the boxing world watches with bated breath.
While Stevenson embarks on his recovery process and Zepeda prepares for his next challenge, the excitement for their future bout can hardly be overstated. The boxing community eagerly awaits what could be a defining moment for both fighters, hoping they will meet at their best.
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