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- What: WBC Lightweight Championship
- When: July 12, 2025
- Who: Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda
- Time: 8:00 p.m. PST
- Where: Louis Armstrong Stadium (Queens, NY)
Shakur Stevenson is gearing up to face William Zepeda for the WBC lightweight championship in the co-main event of “Ring III” at Louis Armstrong Stadium on Saturday, July 12, in Queens, New York.
Hailing from Newark, New Jersey, Stevenson boasts 23 wins, zero losses, and 11 knockouts. He’s looking to defend his title for the third time after his ninth-round victory over Josh Padley in February.
Zepeda, known for his relentless offensive style, mirrors Stevenson’s perfect record with 33 wins, no losses, and 27 knockouts. He enters this match after a recent win against former champion Tevin Farmer.
Before we examine the odds, find everything you need to know to bet on boxing online and check out the best 2025 Boxing Betting Sites.
Shakur Stevenson vs William Zepeda
| Winner |  |  |  |
| Shakur Stevenson | -1250 | -1200 | -1800 |
| William Zepeda | +643 | +650 | +800 |
Stevenson is excellent at balancing between creating space and tying up his opponent’s arms to land strikes. He’s outstanding at positioning, which will limit Zepeda’s chances in the ring.
Stevenson can exploit Zepeda’s weakness against jabs, maintaining distance and taking advantage of Zepeda’s limited defensive capabilities.
📋 Shakur Stevenson is already a three-weight world champion at age 28:
👑 WBO Featherweight
👑 WBC Super-Featherweight
👑 WBO Super-Featherweight
👑 Ring Super-Featherweight
👑 WBC LightweightRing III live on DAZN l July 12th in New York 🥊
🎟️ Get your tickets now:… pic.twitter.com/vPtVyw0Y1s
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) July 10, 2025
As a defensive specialist, Stevenson neutralizes punches with footwork, but his tendency to backpedal could offer Zepeda chances to counterattack.
Zepeda isn’t afraid to get physical inside and create opportunities. He stays active at close range, varying his targets and techniques as he throws punches.
However, his aggressiveness can be risky against a skilled defensive fighter like Stevenson.
To succeed, Zepeda must prevent Stevenson from tying him up and adjust during the fight to find openings before Stevenson can counter.
He must also repeatedly change his fight strategy. If Zepeda relies on one technique, it will allow Stevenson to time his counters. Zepeda also has to be cautious with his lead jab, as Stevenson could exploit it quickly and catch him off balance.
He should aim for punches over the top and in close to break through Stevenson’s guard. While he might not deliver much power, he should still be able to connect.
INTENSE FACE-OFF! 🔥@ShakurStevenson vs William Zepeda #StevensonZepeda | @RingMagazine | #BerlangaSheeraz pic.twitter.com/Q8YHxZUufv
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) July 10, 2025
One strategy Zepeda could consider is attempting to land body shots when Stevenson gets in close. Zepeda and his corner might test the limits of what Stevenson can handle during exchanges.
Any fighter will find it challenging to overcome Stevenson’s defense, and Zepeda’s style may not be the best for this fight.
His best chance is turning the match into a street fight with several exchanges in hopes he catches Stevenson unprepared.
That will not be enough against Stevenson, and as tempting as it is to fade him here, he will beat Zepeda this weekend.
Fight Go the Distance
Let’s discuss the next prop we will be betting on. Will this fight go the distance or will there be a stoppage of any sort that prevents the fight from completing 12 rounds?
| Will Fight Go The Distance | | | |
| Yes | -260 | -250 | -285 |
| No | +175 | +175 | +210 |
Zepeda is known for his knockout ability, with 27 KOs out of 33 fights.
Shakur Stevenson vs William Zepeda stat breakdown 📊
Who’s walking away victorious on July 12th⁉️ pic.twitter.com/RJPm7w4dOk
— Source of Boxing (@Sourceofboxing) May 21, 2025
I anticipate that Stevenson will rely on his high-volume, point-scoring technique to defend effectively and secure a victory. He will do his best to avoid putting himself in danger and not seeking a knockout.
This one feels like it’s definitely going to go the judges scorecards.
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