Shakur Stevenson warned by William Zepeda: ‘I don’t want to leave anything to the judges’

Undefeated lightweight Zepeda, 33-0 (27), is reluctant to let the fight be decided by the judges’ scorecards, and as such will aim on ending the fight early by knocking out WBC lightweight champion Stevenson, 23-0 (11). 

Asked by The Ring whether he planned to stop his opponent, Zepeda responded: “That’s my intention. I don’t want to leave anything to the judges.” 

Despite his knockout power, Zepeda goes into the fight as an underdog in the eyes of bookies and fans alike, with the Mexican’s comments indicating that he is well aware of the task ahead of him in the form of Stevenson. 

“It’s a great opportunity,” Zepeda continued. “We know that this is a tough challenge, but I'm ready for this challenge and that’s why we’re here. Because I know that I’ve earned this opportunity to be here. Nothing was given to me, and I know that it’s a tough challenge and I know that I’m the man for the challenge.” 

Mexican Zepeda is the WBC interim champion at 135lbs, teeing up his first proper world title fight against Stevenson. 

Zepeda's record backs up his claim. The Mexican had been on a streak of five stoppages, including Brit Maxi Hughes, before two decision wins over Tevin Farmer in the past nine months. 

Over the years Stevenson has earned a reputation for a cautious approach in the ring, preferring to pick of opponents rather than stand and trade. However, the Newark native has stated that he is willing to fire away inside the pocket. 

Zepeda feels that is all talk. He restarted: “I don’t believe it. He’s said that in other fights, but once he feels the pressure, the combinations, the body work, he’s going to go back to do what he always does." 

He added: “We’ve worked for Shakur Stevenson’s style. We know that he’s a great counter puncher, we know that he has good ring IQ, that he moves around. So I’m not going off on what he’s saying, or whatever. We’re prepared for the styles that we know that Shakur brings to the table, and I’m just here to give a great fight.” 

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The 29-year-old went on to state that victory over Stevenson would feel like a Hollywood-produced story. 

“It’ll be like a movie,” he continued. “If I can beat someone like Shakur, it’s going to change my life, it’s going to change my family’s life. This is what we worked for, we worked hard for this moment. So it would be a dream come true."

He added: “I’m not worried whatsoever. Whatever he says outside of the ring, we’re going to talk inside the ring. We stood face-to-face and we’re the same height, we’re the same everything. There’s nothing I’m really worried about – July 12th there will be no more talking outside the ring, we’ll talk inside the ring.” 

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