Zepeda Vows to Make Shakur Stevenson “Pay for Insolence” After Disrespectful Weigh-in Face-Off

William Zepeda says he believes he was disrespected by the WBC light-weight champion Shakur Stevenson when he lifted his finger at him throughout their face-off at this time on the weigh-in. Zepeda (33-0, 27 KOs) states that he’s going to make Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) pay for his insolence by unloading on him on Saturday, July twelfth on the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.

De La Hoya’s Struggle Plan

Promoter Oscar De La Hoya famous that Shakur, 28, regarded a “little delicate” across the midsection at this time. He desires Zepeda to focus on Stevenson’s physique as his predominant attacking level on Saturday, as a result of that’s one space the place he’s confirmed to be susceptible throughout his profession.

Focusing on Shakur’s Physique

Assault the physique: Shakur can’t transfer his physique to keep away from photographs the best way he can along with his head. He hasn’t fought anybody close to the extent of Zepeda in physique punching. Stevenson has fought headhunters his complete profession.
Punch with Shakur: De La Hoya says Stevenson will transfer and throw completely potshots. He’ll be susceptible to Zepeda when he stops to throw his single shot. That’s when Zepeda can hit him, after which shut the space to tear photographs to the physique to take Stevenson’s legs away. Runners can’t transfer after they get hit laborious to the breadbasket.

Getting close to sufficient to Shakur to land would be the predominant problem for Zepeda. As we’ve seen with Stevenson’s fights up to now, he refuses to face nonetheless and can actually bounce off the canvas to flee when trapped.

When combating good opposition throughout his profession, Shakur has been in pure working mode and solely stopping momentarily to throw a single punch. It’s terrible to observe, but it surely’s been efficient in opposition to the largely B-level opposition Stevenson has confronted. He’s by no means fought an A-level or elite-level fighter.

Zepeda-Stevenson Weigh-in Disrespect

“I all respect. I had a finger lifted as much as me. That’s disrespect. Tomorrow, we’re going to place the receipts as much as you,” stated William Zepeda throughout at this time’s weigh-in.

Shakur was making an attempt to punk Zepeda by placing his finger in his face, dancing, after which standing in entrance of him to forestall the media from seeing him on stage. It was typical stuff from Shakur to disrespect his opponents and provides the looks of false confidence.

Shakur Stevenson: Runner Label?

Inwardly, Stevenson is pure jelly, weak, and anxious as a result of he is aware of that if he fights his Jerry-level battle, he’s going to be ridiculed, booed, and it’ll affirm his label of being a runner. If he stands and fights like he did in opposition to his late alternative, Josh Padley, he’ll be destroyed inside six rounds by Zepeda. So, there’s no alternative however for Stevenson to maneuver all evening and take care of the boos.

“I’m ready; I’m prepared. I attempt to keep caught within the current. I’m not anxious about tomorrow. I’m co-confident as a result of I put the work in. That is my future. These individuals can’t take nothing away from me. Jerry goes to kick Tom’s s**. Simply watch,” stated Shakur Stevenson on the weigh-in.

“William Zepeda all day, all week, all yr. The work ethic is unimaginable. Zepeda has the power and the punch output to maintain Shakur on his toes. Intention for the physique. Shakur is just a little delicate,” stated promoter Oscar De La Hoya.

“Zepeda is an knowledgeable at chopping off the ring. Closing the space goes to be laborious. Zepeda throws a 1000 punches, but it surely’s going to be tough for him to get to Shakur,” stated Sergio Mora.