Shakur Stevenson is determined to make the biggest and best fights happen. He’s been loud about calling out Gervonta Davis, making sure the whole boxing world knows he’s ready. But Tank? He keeps ignoring him, dismissing Stevenson’s credentials by saying he’s “done nothing for the sport of boxing.” Instead, Tank kicked off his year by facing his arch-rival, Lamont Roach Jr. Meanwhile, Shakur—who isn’t exactly known for his knockout power, has never been one to duck a fight. Or so we thought. But with this latest update, some are questioning if he just did.
Let’s rewind to last year. William Zepeda became the WBC interim lightweight champ after a razor-thin split decision win over Tevin Farmer in November. That victory made him the next in line for the Newark native’s title. Ultimately, the two were set to square off. But it never happened. Why? Well, during the sixth round of his fight with Farmer, Zepeda suffered an injury between his wrist and forearm. His coach, Jacob “Panda” Najar, later told BoxingScene that Zepeda might need surgery, which forced him out of the planned February 22 fight in Saudi Arabia. Sounds legit, right? But here’s where things get interesting—Zepeda is now fighting a rematch with Farmer on March 29 in Cancún, barely a month after Shakur Stevenson had his own fight.
According to Panda, that rematch wasn’t the original plan. In fact, he claimed that Shakur Stevenson was the reason Zepeda had to settle for a second fight with Farmer. “Shakur won the last fight. We were supposed to fight Saudi Arabia, May 4th, on the Canelo undercard. Somebody said it was too soon,” he revealed in an interview with Mill City Boxing. Wait—what? You read that right.
Zepeda’s Coach Panda REVEALS Shakur Stevenson TURNED DOWN Zepeda fight for May 4th In Canelo’sundercardShakur Avoiding real Threats
creds:@Millcityboxing pic.twitter.com/JyryVyzWiQ
— Ray Bama (@armoredmaybach) March 25, 2025
When the reporter pressed for clarification, asking, “Why do you think it was too soon?” Panda simply doubled down: “That’s what the other party said. Too soon.”
Now, let’s put this in perspective. Shakur just came off a 9th-round TKO win over Josh Padley last month. That fight wasn’t even supposed to happen—his original opponent, Floyd Schofield, had to pull out at the last minute due to medical reasons, forcing Padley to step in at the last minute. Stevenson still defended his WBA lightweight belt. Yet, somehow, Team Zepeda is suggesting that he was the one unwilling to fight.
If we go by Panda’s words, it sounds like the 23-0 boxer ducked the fight. But before the internet could run wild with speculation, Shakur Stevenson himself stepped in—and the truth came out real quick.
Shakur Stevenson is ready to go
As soon as the video aired, Shakur Stevenson wasted no time firing back. He reposted the clip on X and shut down the claims, writing, “That’s cap I never heard one thing about that…” completely denying any knowledge of the supposed offer. And just to prove he’s always ready for a fight, he went a step further, calling out Panda directly. “Cmon now panda hit my line we can make it happen any day they want to!!!”
That’s cap I never heard one thing about that.. Cmon now panda hit my line we can make it happen any day they want to!!! https://t.co/lPmgox8DJu
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) March 25, 2025
So, if the 32-0 boxer gets past Farmer once again, we could very well see Stevenson take on Camaron next. But even if Zepeda doesn’t agree, no problem—Shakur’s got plenty of options now. Earlier this month, in an interview with Stephen A. Smith, Tank Davis admitted that a fight with Shakur Stevenson is finally on the table. But before that can happen, Tank has unfinished business—his rematch comes first.
So, who do you think Shakur should fight next? Do share your thoughts with us below.
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