Shakur Ditches Matchroom For Zepeda Title Defense

Shakur Stevenson has reportedly left Matchroom Boxing for his next fight against William Zepeda, much to the shock of the boxing community.

Stevenson signed a two-fight deal with Matchroom after leaving Top Rank with a view to expanding his profile globally. However, his time with Matchroom has not gone as well as it may have been. He was set to make his debut against Joe Cordina, only to pull out of the fight after breaking his hand. 

Shakur And Matchroom

“I’ve made it clear that I want the biggest names and the biggest fights in the sport. Bring on [WBC lightweight mandatory challenger] William Zepeda at the top of 2025 and I’m ready for anyone who is brave enough to step in the ring with me. There have been few willing to take on that challenge in recent years. With Matchroom and Riyadh Season, I am teaming up with a promotional force that matches my world-class talent. We will be unstoppable in and out of the ring, and I will continue to show my dominance for many years to come in the sport of boxing,” Shakur said 

Stevenson was then expected to face Zepeda as reports indicated that a fight was close. However, Zepeda pulled out of a prospective fight due to a hand injury. He ultimately ended up facing Josh Padley, stopping him in the ninth round to retain his WBC Lightweight Title. Shakur’s performance came under fire due to a combination of the opponent he had chosen and his failure to stop someone many regarded as a journeyman until the ninth round. 

The WBC recently ordered Shakur to defend his belt against Zepeda, who is mandatory, as the fight has been agreed for July 12. However, Dan Rafael has confirmed that Shakur will team up with promoter Louis de Bella for his next bout. It is believed that Shakur will earn between $4-7 million for this fight on a flat fee basis, making more than he would have done under Matchroom. After the Zepeda fight, Shakur will be a free agent, raising question marks over where he goes next. 

Shakur’s Future

He could extend his stay with Matchroom if the terms are better or if Eddie Hearn can secure him a mega fight. Alternatively, there is a possible deal with a PBC on the table if Shakur can secure the Tank Davis fight. It is an integral period in Shakur’s career since he has struggled to make the mega fights at 135 pounds, having not unified against Tank Davis over Vasiliy Lomachenko. Equally, Shakur may find it tough to fight at 140 pounds, given that it would be a tougher weight class as he is not known for being the biggest puncher. Shakur will have plenty to ponder moving forward.  

“In reporting on July 12 card with Shakur-Zepeda, a source with knowledge of specifics told me Shakur split from Matchroom & his manager, James Prince, has hired Lou DiBella as his promoter for the event. He had a two-fight deal with Matchroom, did one, apparently, either side could opt out after the first. He was hardly in a long-term deal,” Dan Rafael stated