“Let’s make it happen!” Shakur Stevenson initiates negotiation with Oscar De La Hoya to fight undefeated William Zepeda

Shakur Stevenson comes back from a short retirement willing to fight the number 1 light weight contender and also replace Ryan Garcia if needed.

“Let’s make it happen!” Shakur Stevenson initiates negotiation with Oscar De La Hoya to fight undefeated William Zepeda

Oscar De La Hoya, Shakur Stevenson, and William Zepeda (image credit- Boxing Scene, The Ring)

Shakur Stevenson recently revealed that he is out of his short-lived retirement and ready for action. Stevenson last fought and won against Edwin De Los Santos to become a three-time world champion by winning the WBC lightweight title. However, he announced his retirement after it was announced that Emanuel Navarrete and Denys Berinchyk would fight for his vacant WBO lightweight title. This was a major shock for his fans and foes alike. However, the young boxer has checked his emotional decision and recently announced the date and venue of his next fight. 

As such, he declared that he would step into the ring on July 6 at New Jersey’s Prudential Center, though he is yet to announce his opponent. As such, his team is in the process of finding a worthy opponent. Surprisingly, Oscar De La Hoya has stepped in with a suggestion. ‘The Golden Boy’ suggested that Stevenson should fight William Zepeda next. Stevenson responded to this by stating:

I’m ready for July; let’s make it happen. Hit my promoter, Oscar.
Shakur Stevenson via X
YouTube video

Stevenson had already announced his intent to fight in July and welcomed the idea of fighting Zepeda on the same date. In addition, Stevenson stated that he would like to make the fight happen as Zepeda has also shown an interest in this fight. Stevenson also asked De La Hoya to contact his promoter, Bob Arum. Zepeda will be a great opponent for Steveson since he has an undefeated 29-0 record with 25 knockout victories. 

Furthermore, Zepeda is ranked as the number one lightweight contender by both the WBA and WBC. Hence, this means that Zepeda can challenge both Gervonta Davis and Stevenson, who currently hold the WBA and WBC titles, respectively. 

Shakur Stevenson is willing to replace Ryan Garcia

While Steveson’s fight with Zepeda would be interesting to watch, it has not yet been confirmed. As such, Stevenson is still keeping the door open to making any other big fight happen in the first half of 2024. Furthermore, amid concerns over Ryan Garcia‘s mental health, Stevenson has stepped forward to replace him. 

Shakur Stevenson, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney, William Zepeda, Oscar De La Hoya
Shakur Stevenson, Ryan Garcia, and Devin Haney (image credit- Marca, Boxing Scene)

In addition, Garcia has only been piling up more concerns over whether or not the fight will happen on April 20. Subsequently, Garcia had another series of mental breakdowns in which he revealed drinking alcohol while in training camp. Stevenson has been observing this situation and is waiting to pounce on a golden opportunity. 

Furthermore, Stevenson has revealed that he has now contacted Bill Haney directly and expressed his intent to replace Garcia. However, Bill Haney has not responded to Steveson, but he has maintained that he wishes to replace Garcia. 

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