Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda Lightweight Title Fight Ordered by WBC

Shakur Stevenson has been ordered by the World Boxing Council to defend his lightweight title against top-ranked contender William Zepeda, per Boxing Scene's Lance Pugmire.

According to Pugmire, the purse bid is scheduled for Aug. 20.

Both fighters are coming off wins as Stevenson defeated Artem Harutyunyan on July 6 and Zepeda beat Giovanni Cabrera via knockout on the same day.

Stevenson, 27, is a former WBO featherweight champion as well as a WBO super featherweight champion. He claimed his current WBC lightweight title in 2023 when he defeated Edwin De Los Santos in a unanimous decision. Stevenson is a perfect 22-0 in his professional boxing career, and he will look to stay that way against Zepeda.

Zepeda, 28, became a WBA Continental Americas lightweight champion in 2021 and retained that title three times, most recently in 2023 when he defeated Mercito Gesta via a TKO. Like Stevenson, Zepeda has never lost in 31 professional fights.

Before the WBC ordered the fight, Stevenson had high praise for Zepeda, saying he would "bring out the best" in him.

"Zepeda is a hell of a fighter," Stevenson said, per Boxing Scene's Makouk Akopyan. "I don't even think I've been in the ring in my professional career with a fighter like that. He throws a bunch of punches. He's great with his own style and a guy like that will bring the best out of me."

Stevenson believes Zepeda will be a worthy challenger, and now the two will get to face each other in the ring.