Stevenson's Stellar Performance in Queens
On Saturday night, Shakur Stevenson delivered a commanding performance at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York, defending his WBC lightweight title against William Zepeda. The unanimous decision victory, with scorecards reading 118-110, 118-110, and 119-109, showcased Stevenson's ability to adapt and dominate even under scrutiny. Despite being relegated to the co-main event by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, Stevenson silenced critics who had previously labeled his fights as unentertaining.
Stevenson had promised during the promotion of the fight that he wouldn't shy away from engaging Zepeda, known for his offensive style. True to his word, he went toe-to-toe with his opponent over 12 rounds, earning praise for an entertaining bout. 'He came in, pushed me,' Stevenson said of Zepeda. 'He pushed me to another level.'
Overcoming Criticism with Action
The decision to place Stevenson in the co-main event instead of the main event, which featured Edgar Berlanga against Hamzah Sheeraz, was seen as a statement from Alalshikh against what he called 'Tom & Jerry fights'—matches where one boxer avoids engagement. Stevenson's recent performances, though dominant, had drawn boos from crowds for lacking excitement. However, on Saturday, he turned the narrative around by outslugging Zepeda and proving his willingness to stand and fight.
This fight marked a significant shift for Stevenson, who had faced criticism for a cautious approach in prior bouts. Posts found on X reflected a positive sentiment among fans and analysts, with many noting this as one of his most engaging performances. The 2016 Olympic silver medalist not only retained his title but also regained the approval of boxing enthusiasts who had accused him of being overly defensive in the ring.
A New Chapter for Stevenson's Career
Hosting a boxing card at the grounds of the U.S. Open tennis tournament added a unique backdrop to Stevenson's victory. The event's setting at Louis Armstrong Stadium highlighted the growing crossover appeal of boxing in iconic sports venues. This win could signal a turning point for Stevenson, potentially leading to more high-profile main event slots if he continues to deliver action-packed fights.
As Stevenson moves forward, the boxing community will be watching to see if he maintains this aggressive style. His ability to adapt against Zepeda has set a new benchmark for his career, and with this performance, he has shown that he can balance defensive mastery with crowd-pleasing offense. The road ahead looks promising for the young champion as he aims to solidify his status among the elite in the lightweight division.