Eddie Hearn’s Roadmap for Shakur Stevenson
Promoter Eddie Hearn, known for his strategic and ambitious plans in the boxing world, has set his sights on William Zepeda as the next opponent for Shakur Stevenson. This decision comes in the wake of Stevenson’s upcoming rematch with Tevin Farmer on March 29th in Cancun. Hearn, who signed Stevenson to a contract with Matchroom, originally outlined a three-fight plan for the young champion. The sequence was designed to steadily build Stevenson’s profile and challenge him with increasingly formidable opponents. Initially, the plan included fights against Floyd Schofield, William Zepeda, and finally, a clash with the reigning WBC lightweight champion, Gervonta "Tank" Davis.
The Original Plan
Hearn’s vision for Stevenson was clear: start with Floyd Schofield, a tough and technically skilled opponent, then move on to William Zepeda, a powerful and undefeated contender, and ultimately set the stage for a megabucks showdown with Tank Davis. However, plans often change in boxing, and this was no exception. Floyd Schofield’s withdrawal due to illness last week forced Hearn to scramble for a replacement, leading to the controversial match with Josh Padley. Despite the setback, Hearn remains committed to his original roadmap, hoping that a win against Farmer will put Stevenson back on track for the Zepeda fight.
No Zepeda, Now What?
Golden Boy Promotions, headed by Oscar De La Hoya, has been notably silent about the prospect of Zepeda facing Stevenson. The reason is simple: money and fan interest. Zepeda, with a stellar record of 32-0 and 29 knockouts, has a more attractive financial opportunity in fighting Tank Davis. Moreover, the lack of promotional excitement and the potential for a less engaging fight, where Stevenson might resort to his notorious ring-running tactics, does little to entice either Zepeda or Golden Boy. Hearn believes that if Stevenson proves himself again in the Farmer rematch, the Zepeda fight should still be a possibility. However, the lack of enthusiasm from Zepeda’s camp suggests that this might be an uphill battle.
The Padley Fiasco
The fight against Josh Padley was a significant misstep for both Stevenson and Hearn. Stevenson’s left hand, which had been surgically repaired, swelled severely during the bout, forcing him to rely heavily on his right hand for power punching. While he could still use his left to target the body, it was ineffective against Padley’s head. Hearn’s quick decision to replace Schofield with Padley, who Stevenson had never faced, did not allow for adequate preparation. Despite the challenges, Hearn maintains that Stevenson’s performance was solid, emphasizing the difficulty of adjusting to a last-minute opponent with whom Stevenson was unfamiliar.
Plan B Needed
Given the current situation, Hearn must consider alternative options for Stevenson’s next fight. The list of realistic opponents includes Ernesto Mercado, Andy Cruz, Abdullah Mason, Raymond Muratalla, and Edwin De Los Santos. Each of these fighters offers a different level of challenge and can help Stevenson in his quest to prove himself as one of the best in the division. While none of these names carry the same star power as Zepeda or Davis, they can serve as crucial stepping stones and provide Stevenson with the opportunity to showcase his skills and resilience.
Looking Ahead
Hearn’s optimism and continued support for Stevenson’s career are commendable, but the reality of the boxing world often dictates that plans change. A win against Farmer will undoubtedly bolster Stevenson’s confidence and reputation. It will also give Hearn the leverage to negotiate more favorable matchups, including the potential Zepeda fight. However, if Zepeda remains elusive, it will be up to Hearn to find a suitable opponent who can push Stevenson to his limits and keep him on the path to greatness. The boxing world is watching closely, and Stevenson’s ability to adapt and overcome new challenges will be crucial in the coming months.
