Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda: Full card, predictions, odds, how to watch
Shakur Stevenson is set to battle William Zepeda for the WBC lightweight title in a co-main event of the Ring III: Edgar Berlanga vs. Hamzah Sheeraz. The event will take place at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.
Stevenson (23-0, 11 knockouts)., the early favorite, is known for his tactical brilliance and speed, which he demonstrated in his two successful title defenses. He first captured the WBC belt against De Los Santos in November 2023 and later defended his title against Artem Harutyunyan and Josh Padley.
His opponent, Zepeda, enters the ring undefeated (33-0, 27 knockouts) and armed with his trademark powerful punches. Zepeda's shot at the title was earned through a split decision victory over Tevin Farmer in November 2024.
Here is everything to know ahead of the co-main event as Shakur Stevenson faces off against William Zepeda.
Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda predictions
BetMGM: Shakur Stevenson to win
Staff writes: For this WBC lightweight championship match between Stevenson and Zepeda, I predict that the former will win via unanimous decision against the latter because he already has a blueprint to beat power punchers and has enormous experience in high-level championship fights. Much like he did against Edwin De Los Santos, I expect Stevenson to break down Zepeda with stiff counters and solid jabs that would allow him to score points in the judges’ scorecards while frustrating him at the same time."
DAZN: Stevenson has the edge
Mark Lelinwalla writes: "Masterful at planting his lead foot into the canvas and controlling the distance, Shakur Stevenson is absolutely brilliant working behind the jab, the anchor to his supreme sweet science. On the defensive side, Stevenson is slick and elusive, relying on the hit and don’t get hit brand of boxing. He has the boxing skills to negate Zepeda’s forward fighting and imposing power especially if the Mexican fighter struggles to get inside of Stevenson’s world-class jab, arguably the best in all of boxing."
Forbes: Stevenson to win via unanimous decision
Trent Reinsmith writes: "Zepeda needs to overcome the defense of Stevenson, and that’s a tall order for any fighter. Put simply, Zepeda doesn’t have the style to do that. His best hope is that he can score through volume and convince the judges to give him the nod because of that. Stevenson will prove to be defensively sound, and score with enough counters to get the nod."
Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda date
Shakur Stevenson will fight William Zepeda on Saturday, July 12, in Queens, New York.
- Date: Saturday, July 12
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
- Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda main event ringwalks: 8:40 p.m. ET
- Stream: DAZN PPV
How to watch Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda
Shakur Stevenson will face William Zepeda, and the event will be streamed on DAZN Pay-Per-View. In the U.S., fans can purchase the event for $59.99.
Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda fight card and odds
Fight card according to DAZN and odds according to BetMGM on Thursday, July 10:
- Edgar Berlanga (+110) vs. Hamzah Sheeraz (-135): Super middleweight
- Shakur Stevenson (-1100) vs. William Zepeda (+650): for Stevenson's WBC lightweight title
- Alberto Puello vs. Subriel Matias: for Puello's WBC super lightweight title
- David Morrell vs. Imam Khataev: Light heavyweight