Stevenson, the 26-year-old champion from Newark, faced criticism for being too cautious in the ring. He aimed to prove a point against Zepeda, a high-volume fighter known for his relentless pressure.
The fight forced Stevenson into more exchanges than he's used to. Zepeda applied constant pressure, but Stevenson adapted, using his footwork and angles to counter effectively. Despite the tougher fight, Stevenson maintained control throughout.
Judges scored the bout 118-110, 118-110, and 119-109 in Stevenson's favor. Unofficial scorecards from Bad Left Hook had it closer at 116-112 and 117-111.
After the fight, Stevenson acknowledged the difficulty of the bout and praised Zepeda's toughness.
"It wasn't the performance I was looking for because I came in here trying to prove a point. I took more punishment than usual. But I've got dog in me. I fought."
Stevenson's performance showcased his elite timing and defense, along with sharp counter-punching. He proved he can adjust his style while still dominating, potentially changing fan perception of him as a skilled and battle-tested fighter.
For Zepeda, this marked his first loss, bringing his record to 33-1 with 27 KOs. Though defeated, he earned respect by giving Stevenson one of his toughest fights to date.
Stevenson, now 24-0 with 11 KOs, plans to focus on improving his physical strength and staying ready for big fights in the future. This victory silenced critics and demonstrated Stevenson's ability to engage in a more action-packed style when needed.
The event, which featured multiple world title bouts, brought boxing to a venue primarily used for tennis. It provided a unique setting for Stevenson to showcase his skills and adaptability against a tough opponent.