William Zepeda’s trainer, Jay Najar, expressed his surprise at WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson’s decision to face #13 Joe Cordina instead of facing their unbeaten #1-ranked 135-lb contender in November. The unexpected change left Najar wondering if Shakur would continue to avoid Zepeda in the future. Zepeda, with his impressive record and aggressive style, poses a significant threat to Shakur’s plans for a mega-fight against Gervonta Davis.
Najar implied that Shakur may be steering clear of Zepeda due to the risks involved. Zepeda’s relentless pursuit and knockout power could derail Shakur’s aspirations for a blockbuster showdown with Davis. The Mexican star’s presence in the lightweight division acts as an electrified third rail, forcing fighters like Shakur to reconsider their next moves carefully.
Shakur’s decision to face Cordina on the undercard of the Beterbiev-Bivol event in Saudi Arabia raised eyebrows among boxing enthusiasts. Some speculate that promoter Eddie Hearn’s involvement in selecting Cordina as Shakur’s opponent is part of a larger strategy to groom the young champion into a “global superstar.” By strategically building up Shakur’s profile, Hearn aims to set the stage for a lucrative showdown with Davis in 2025.
Najar revealed that Zepeda’s camp was prepared to challenge Shakur in November but was taken aback by the sudden change in opponents. Shakur’s surprise move to face Cordina instead of Zepeda left Najar and his team questioning the champion’s motivations. Despite their willingness to step into the ring with Shakur, the opportunity never materialized, prompting speculation about Shakur’s long-term avoidance of Zepeda.
As Shakur continues to navigate the competitive landscape of the lightweight division, his calculated decisions will shape his legacy in the sport. The allure of a potential clash with Davis looms large for Shakur, driving his strategic choices and opponent selection. However, the shadow of fighters like Zepeda casts doubt on Shakur’s path to superstardom, forcing him to tread carefully in the coming months.
In the ever-changing world of professional boxing, every move counts towards a fighter’s ultimate success or failure. Shakur Stevenson’s decision to face Joe Cordina instead of William Zepeda reflects a strategic maneuver to secure his position in the division and pave the way for future opportunities. Whether Shakur’s calculated move pays off remains to be seen, but the looming presence of Zepeda adds a layer of complexity to his journey towards boxing stardom.