Shakur Stevenson vs William Zepeda Ordered By WBC

A potential bout between Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda has moved one step closer to happening.

Shakur Stevenson (right) throws a jab against Artem Harutyunyan. / IMAGO/ZUMA Press Wire

Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda has moved one step closer to becoming a reality.

The Ring's Mike Coppinger reported on Monday that the WBC has officially ordered Stevenson vs. Zepeda for the WBC lightweight title. Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) holds the WBC lightweight title, while Zepeda (33-0, 27 KOs) is the interim WBC lightweight champion.

Coppinger added that if Stevenson and Zepeda's camps can't reach a deal, it'll go to a purse bid on May 6. Should negotiations reach that point, the percentage each fighter will get of the purse bid remains up in the air.

Coppinger reported that Steveson's representation requested a 70-30 split of the winning bid, while Zepeda's camp wants the split brought down to 55-45.

The WBC has officially ordered Shakur Stevenson to defend his lightweight world title against mandatory challenger William Zepeda. The two sides have until May 6th to negotiate a deal before the bout heads to a purse bid. pic.twitter.com/4Fw3TnWr1s

— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) April 8, 2025

The champion is normally entitled to 75 percent of the purse bid, while the challenger gets 25 percent for the WBC title.

Stevenson and Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya, who represents Zepeda, got into it over the weekend on X. De La Hoya claimed that Stevenson had withdrawn from a potential bout against Zepeda, while Stevenson assured his focus is on Zepeda, regardless of if they reach a deal before May 6 or if they reach a purse bid.

😂😂😂😂 is that what they told you?? Turki promised me a number and now he going way back on that number that he promised me and sending his Towel boys to run me the info instead telling me straight up what he tryna do.. Ion bow down to nobody Mr De la Hoya now let’s negotiate! https://t.co/S33oy0Cefy

— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) April 5, 2025

Stevenson is coming off a ninth-round stoppage of late-replacement Josh Padley on Feb. 22. Zepeda has won back-to-back hard-earned decisions over Tevin Farmer, with the most recent win coming on March 29.

MORE: Edgar Berlanga Reveals How His Beef Started With Gervonta Davis

Me and my team did this cause WE WANT THE FIGHT now stop lying and crying And make this shit happen @OscarDeLaHoya @williamzepeda2 Yall like playing dirty right? Well I’m down to fight Mf! 🤝

— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) April 8, 2025

Stevenson vs. Zepeda is one of the more intriguing bouts that can be made in boxing. Stevenson's defensive prowess and ability to counter-punch against Zepeda's relentless pressure and volume will give both fighters a chance to answer questions that still surround them heading into a potential bout.

And if either man can win convincingly, it'd go a long way toward helping their case as the top lightweight in the world.

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