The William Zepeda fight was also a big boost for Shakur Stevenson in terms of fan perception. He has often been accused of being too defensive in fights and running from his opponents. Stevenson showed that it takes two to tango and a fighter like Zepeda brought the best version of him out.

Reigning lightweight titleholder Shakur Stevenson takes center stage, sort of, for the third defense of his WBC belt against challenger William Zepeda at Louis Armstrong Stadium on the grounds of the national tennis center in Queens, N.Y.—home of the annual U.S. Open tournament.

Shakur Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) promised to hold his ground and deliver an exciting performance. The only thing he wasn't able to do against William Zepeda (33-1, 27 KOs) was score a knockout, but the WBC lightweight champion put together a boxing clinic to retain his title with a unanimous decision at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens.