Shakur Stevenson will aim to make his third defense of the WBC World Lightweight title when he takes on William Zepeda on July 12th.
Coming off the back of his win over short-notice opponent Josh Padley, Stevenson’s record is now 23-0.
Claiming the lightweight title in 2023, Stevenson’s win over Edwin De Los Santos made the American a three-division world champion.
However, in order to get the chance at the title at 135 lbs, Stevenson had to prove he could compete in the division.
Shakur Stevenson made his lightweight debut against Shuichiro Yoshino
After Stevenson missed weight for his super featherweight title defense against Robson Conceiao in September 2022, he decided to make the move up a division.
Despite his accolades and unbeaten record of 19-0, the then-former champion was not given an immediate title opportunity at 135 lbs. Instead, Stevenson was paired up with fellow unbeaten fighter, Shuichiro Yoshino (16-0).
The pair headlined an event in New Jersey in April 2023, which also featured Stevenson’s good friend and future world champion, Keyshawn Davis.
If there were any doubts regarding how Stevenson could compete at a higher weight class, they were quickly nullified.
A short left hand from Stevenson would stun his opponent in round two, as Yoshino hit the canvas. Two rounds later, the American would score another knockdown.
To finish a combination, a lead hook from Stevenson sent the Japanese fighter to the canvas for the second time.
Despite having a big lead on the scorecards, Stevenson would end the fight in round six to ensure the judges were not needed. The referee felt that Yoshino had been on the receiving end of too many blows, as he called off the fight.
The win improved Stevenson’s record to 20-0, as Yoshino saw his career tally drop to 16-1.
Shakur Stevenson defeated Edwin De Los Santos to claim vacant lightweight title
Following his win over Yoshino, Stevenson was paired with Dominican fighter Edwin De Los Santos for the vacant WBC World Lightweight title.
The lightweights met in Las Vegas as both men were looking to become a champion at 135 lbs for the first time in their careers.
Despite a tough fight, Stevenson did prevail to become a three-division world champion. In a bout that saw both fighters have success, the American won via unanimous decision.
The loss would see De Los Santos’s record go to 16-2.