Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya has challenged WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson to face William Zepeda next. Shakur responded to De La Hoya's message on social media and suggested Zepeda fight De La Hoya in July when he returns for his next title defense.
Shakur's 'generous' offer: Not as sweet as it seems
If Zepeda accepts the offer to fight in July, he will have only three and a half months to prepare for Shakur, but for a crafty and defensive artist there is not that much time to prepare.
Coach De La Hoya said the Mexican star will face Zepeda, who picked up a fourth-round TKO win over Maxi Hughes (26-7-2, 5 KOs) last Saturday night, and will next face undefeated Stevenson (21-0, 5 KOs). 10KO) and hopes to fight for the belt.
“I'll be ready in July. Let's make it happen. Hit up my promoter Oscar,” Shakur Stevenson said Xresponded to Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya's request that his next fight be against WBC No. 1 lightweight lightweight William Zepeda.
Oscar De La Hoya: “Hello, Shakur Stevenson, this is William Zepeda.”
Bob Arum making a phone call
Stevenson's promoter, Top Rank's Bob Arum, will make the final decision on whether he can face Zepeda next July. There's only one fight left on Shakur's contract with Top Rank, but Arum likely wants to get the most value out of that final fight by having him face one of Top Rank's fighters. .
Conversely, Arum may not want to waste valuable Top Rank stars like Vasily Lomachenko and Emmanuel Navarrete, but he is not confident that Stevenson will re-sign with his company.
my 2 cents
If this writer were in Arem's position, I wouldn't think so. If he's going to leave the company after his last fight and sign with PBC, why waste one of Top Rank's talents facing Shakur? It's about being there.
From that perspective, Arum should jump at the chance to have Stevenson fight Zepeda in July. Even if Shakur loses, it won't be a big deal for Arum. This is because he is no longer in Top Rank and his value to PBC will decrease.
If Stevenson leaves office, that rating will likely decline. Arum should let Shakur walk the plank and face Zepeda, who is like a ravenous shark. If you win, you win, but if you lose, it's no big deal.
