On July 12, 2025, at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York, one of the most intriguing matchups of the boxing year will take place: Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda, valid for the WBC lightweight world title. It will serve as the co-main event of Ring III, a boxing night organized by Ring Magazine and streamed live on DAZN, headlined by the middleweight bout between Edgar Berlanga and Hamzah Sheeraz. But it’s Stevenson vs. Zepeda that is capturing the spotlight from fans and experts alike.

Two unbeaten records. Two opposite styles. One world title on the line.

Shakur Stevenson: The Defensive Genius

Shakur Stevenson, 27, from Newark, New Jersey, holds a perfect record of 23-0 with 11 KOs. A three-weight world champion and Olympic silver medalist, Stevenson is widely regarded as one of the smartest and most technically sound boxers in the sport today. His style is built on distance control, timing, footwork, and surgical precision.

In his most recent outing, he stopped Josh Padley via TKO in the ninth round, showing improved offensive output—long criticized for being too cautious. He absorbs only 5.8 clean punches per round on average, one of the lowest rates in all of boxing. However, that comes at a cost: less action, which splits fans between admiration and frustration. He’s a tactical genius, but not always crowd-pleasing.

William Zepeda: The Relentless Engine

William “Camarón” Zepeda, also 27, is Stevenson’s polar opposite. A quintessential Mexican fighter, Zepeda boasts a 33-0 record with 27 KOs and a terrifying stat: he throws an average of 93 punches per round—numbers closer to welterweight than lightweight.

He earned the WBC interim title by dismantling Maxi Hughes in seven rounds and has since called out Stevenson, accusing him of “dancing too much” and avoiding real fights. Zepeda’s style is raw but relentless. He doesn’t just hit hard—he erodes opponents’ composure with sheer volume and pressure.

⚔️ The Clash: Movement vs. Relentless Pressure

This isn’t just a fight between two undefeated fighters—it’s a battle between boxing philosophies. Stevenson is a master of evasion, spacing, and rhythm-breaking jabs. Zepeda is pure pressure, pace, and volume. Neither fighter has faced an opponent that mirrors the other’s extreme traits.

Stevenson’s strength: 48% punch accuracy and one of the sport’s best plus/minus ratios (punches landed vs. absorbed).

Zepeda’s weakness: He absorbs 33% of opponents’ punches and struggles against quick, body-focused combinations.

The key will be who dictates the pace. If Zepeda can cut the ring and trap Stevenson, he could force the champ into uncomfortable exchanges. But if Shakur manages the distance, it could be a frustrating night for Camarón.

How to Watch Stevenson vs. Zepeda

The fight will air live on DAZN on Saturday, July 12, as part of the Ring III card, which also features:

Main Event: Edgar Berlanga vs. Hamzah Sheeraz (Middleweight)
Co-Main: Stevenson vs. Zepeda (Lightweight, WBC Title)
Undercard: Nomellini vs. Teague, Lopez vs. Acosta

Card start time: 9:00 PM ET

️ Ticket Info

Tickets for Ring III are available on Ticketmaster, ranging from $60 to $500. The event takes place at the iconic Louis Armstrong Stadium, better known as one of the US Open’s premier tennis venues.

Prediction

Stevenson enters as the heavy favorite, with odds hovering around -1000. However, Zepeda’s constant pressure could present the most difficult challenge of the champion’s career.

A Zepeda win would be one of the year’s biggest upsets. But realistically, if Stevenson controls the tempo and limits exchanges, a decision win is likely. Still, if Camarón breaks through for even a round or two, the whole fight dynamic could shift.

❓ FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Stevenson vs. Zepeda

Q: When is Stevenson vs. Zepeda?
A: Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Louis Armstrong Stadium (Queens, New York), as the co-main event of Ring III.

Q: How can I watch Stevenson vs. Zepeda in the US?
A: The fight will stream live on DAZN starting at 9:00 PM ET.

Q: What’s at stake in Stevenson vs. Zepeda?
A: The WBC lightweight world title, currently held by Shakur Stevenson.

Q: Can Zepeda give Shakur trouble?
A: Yes. His tempo and punch volume are ideal weapons against defensive fighters. But he must cut the ring and avoid getting neutralized.

Q: Who might the winner face next?
A: The winner could look to unify with WBA champ Gervonta Davis or WBO/IBF titleholders. Superfights against Vasiliy Lomachenko or Keyshawn Davis are also possible in 2026.

Q: How many KOs does Zepeda have in his last 5 fights?
A: Four out of five—most within nine rounds. His power is real, even at the elite level.

Q: Has Shakur ever clearly lost a round?
A: Rarely. He controls tempo so well that even lost rounds are competitive. But Zepeda might rewrite that story.