Shakur Stevenson steps into the ring this weekend with something to prove. The once-celebrated boxer faces William Zepeda in a fight that could reshape his career trajectory.
Stevenson's rise in boxing looked unstoppable. His defensive style drew comparisons to Floyd Mayweather Jr., and many saw him as the sport's next big star. But a string of uninspiring performances changed that narrative.
The turning point came a year ago. Stevenson won a unanimous decision against Artem Harutyunyan, but the hometown crowd booed. It was a wake-up call for the young fighter.
Since then, Stevenson has worked to rebuild his image. He scored a knockout victory over Josh Padley, showing a more aggressive side. Now, he faces Zepeda, an undefeated opponent with a 33-0 record.
"Me and Tank is the biggest and best fight in boxing. That's the fight to make. That's a fight I've been wanting forever, and I know that the time is here. We can't wait no longer. Me versus Tank Davis is the fight to make, I'm excited for the challenge, but I've got to handle this challenge first."
Stevenson shared these thoughts with DAZN just days before his bout with Zepeda. His focus on Gervonta Davis is clear, but he knows he must impress against Zepeda first.
Davis's recent draw against Lamont Roach left fans wanting more. That result might give Roach a rematch with Davis before Stevenson gets his shot. But a standout performance against Zepeda could change everything for Stevenson.
The boxing world will watch closely this weekend. Stevenson has a chance to silence his critics and set up a blockbuster fight with Davis. It's more than just a match - it's a pivotal moment in Stevenson's career.
